Description
This Cranberry Walnut Bread is a quick and comforting bake that combines tart cranberries and crunchy toasted walnuts inside a moist, buttery loaf. It’s perfect for quick breakfast ideas, easy snack options, or festive food ideas for the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, easy recipe for gifting, or versatile breakfast option, this loaf delivers flavor and texture in every slice.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, halved
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together orange juice, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Gently fold in cranberries and walnuts evenly.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top, and sprinkle coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
8. Let cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For milder tartness, swap half the cranberries with chopped dried cranberries.
Always toast walnuts before adding — it boosts their nutty flavor.
Let the bread sit overnight for deeper flavor; it slices better too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cranberry walnut bread, quick bread, easy recipe, breakfast ideas, holiday food