No-Knead Crusty Cranberry Nut Bread
Try this No-Knead Crusty Cranberry Nut Bread recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this No-Knead Crusty Cranberry Nut Bread recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons (390g) all-purpose flour plus more for hands
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (i find the flavor lacking using r
- 3/4 cup (95g) chopped nuts (i like walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon red star platinum yeast (instant yeast)
- 3/4 cup (105g) dried cranberries*
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (aboutâ 95â°f (35â°c)
- 6 quart or higher dutch ovenâ or any large oven-safe pot wi
- Carbohydrate 8.72925000374346 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0.0211875003248044 g
- Protein 0.0317812500136291 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 loaf; 8-10 serving (11g)
- Sodium 0.423750000181722 mg
- Sugar 8.70806250341866 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 32 calories
Step-by-step
- No need to grease the bowl.
- Stir the first 6 ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the warm water. The dough will be pretty sticky-- don't be tempted to add more flour-- you want a sticky dough.
- Gently shape into a ball as best you can.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Set on the counter at room temperature (honestly any normal room temperature is fine!) and allow to rise for 12-18 hours. The dough will double in size, stick to the sides of the bowl, and be covered in air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using lightly floured hands, shape into a ball as best you can. Doesn't have to be perfect!
- Transfer dough to a large piece of parchment paper. (Large enough to fit inside your pot and one that is safe under such high heat. I use this parchment and it's never been an issue.)
- Using a very sharp knife, gently score an X into the top.
- Cover dough lightly with plastic wrap and leave alone for 30 minutes.
- During this 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C). (Yes, very hot!)
- Place your dutch oven (with the lid) or heavy duty pot inside for 30 minutes so that it's extremely hot before the dough is placed inside.
- After 30 minutes, remove the dutch oven from the oven and carefully place the dough inside by lifting it up with the parchment paper and sticking it all-- the parchment paper included-- inside the pot.
- Cover with the lid.
- Bake for 25 minutes with the lid on.
- Carefully remove the lid and continue baking for 8-10 more minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove pot from the oven, carefully remove the bread from the pot, and allow to cool on the counter for 30 minutes before breaking/slicing/serving.
- Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for 1 week.
- Make ahead tip/Freezing: The dough takes up to 18 hours to rise, so this is a wonderful recipe to begin 1 day ahead of time. You can also bake the bread, allow it to cool, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough. Complete the recipe through step 2. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-friendly container. To bake, allow dough to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or for 2-3 hours at room temperature. Continue with step 3 and the rest of the recipe instructions.
My Unexpected Bread Baking Adventure: A No-Knead Cranberry Nut Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum is a daily challenge. My weekends are usually a whirlwind of errands, kid activities, and catching up on chores. So, when I stumbled upon this no-knead cranberry nut bread recipe, I was intrigued. No kneading? Sold! The idea of a delicious, homemade treat with minimal effort was too tempting to resist. The thought of warm, crusty bread filling our home with its comforting aroma was more alluring than another trip to the grocery store. Plus, my kids were begging for something other than store-bought baked goods. Let me tell you, the simplicity of this recipe was a breath of fresh air, literally. My kitchen wasn't covered in flour, and I didn't spend hours slaving over the oven. It was a liberating experience.
The process was surprisingly straightforward. Mixing the ingredients was a relaxing activity after a long week. Watching the dough rise overnight was almost meditative; I felt a sense of accomplishment even before the baking began. The next morning, the anticipation was palpable. The aroma that wafted from the oven was divine – a blend of warm spices, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans. The bread emerged golden brown and crusty, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a little patience. The texture was perfection; the inside was soft and moist, while the outside had a delightful crunch. My kids devoured it, and I secretly savored every bite myself. It wasn't just bread; it was a symbol of slowing down, taking a moment for myself, and creating something beautiful and delicious for my family.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Simple Joys
This recipe has become more than just a way to make bread. It's a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying things in life are the simplest. The act of baking, the anticipation of the rising dough, the warm aroma filling the kitchen – these are small moments of joy that easily get lost in the everyday rush. It's a lesson in slowing down, appreciating the process, and savoring the fruits (or should I say, bread?) of your labor. The deliciousness of the final product is definitely a plus, but the peace and contentment I found in the process are equally rewarding. This bread has become a regular part of our family routine, a cherished tradition born from a simple, yet extraordinary recipe.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with nuts: Walnuts and pecans are my favorites, but feel free to use almonds, hazelnuts, or any other nut you enjoy.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice would complement the cranberries beautifully.
- Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the dough.
- Make it festive: During the holidays, add some chopped dried cherries or orange zest for a seasonal twist.
- Make it ahead: The beauty of this recipe is its make-ahead capabilities, perfect for busy schedules.
This no-knead cranberry nut bread isn't just a recipe; it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little bit of magic—a little bit of homemade joy. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things are the most rewarding.
