Take a little journey with me as I take you to the center of my kitchen, where the aroma of homemade bread meets the sweet tang of cranberries and the earthy crunch of walnuts. So….again, this is not just any old bread. This is the ultimate recipe that I have developed, and have made many times over, and it is also a staple in our home as well as always desired by the crowd at every social gathering. Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread is a light golden-brown loaf, slightly crisp on the outer crust, soft and moist on the inside, with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts in every bite. This is a bread perfect for curling up on the couch with a hot mug of coffee, while you enjoy eating it!
Why is this Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread so special? For one thing, it’s very easy to make. You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to create this bread. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time and patience, you can bake a loaf of bread that rivals the bread you would buy from a bakery. What’s more delicious than sweet and tart cranberries paired with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts? This bread can be enjoyed any time of day, from breakfast to dessert.
Another reason I love this recipe so much is that it is a communal and family-oriented dish. From family breakfasts to big holiday brunches, this dish eventually becomes the focal point for family and friends alike. This bread is the recipe for inspired conversations and fond memories. I don’t know how many times after my friends have had some bread for the first time, they have asked for the recipe! And the best part? It’s a recipe that you can make your own. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, swap out the walnuts for pecans, or drizzle it with a simple glaze—the possibilities are endless.
But let’s not forget the health benefits. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, and walnuts are a good source of healthy fats and protein. So even though it feels indulgent, this bread is also a treat you can feel good about. It’s all about the taste, texture, and nutrition.
So, if you’re an experienced baker, or if you’ve never baked anything in your life, you will want to keep this Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread recipe in your back pocket. It’s easy, delicious, and will leave everyone impressed. Now let’s get baking!
How Come This Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread is a Recipe you must try
Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread is the perfect comfort food. Moist with great flavor and a perfect mix of sweet and tart from the cranberries. The walnuts add crunch, and together, they make the most scrumptious quick bread I have ever eaten. It lends itself perfectly for breakfast, lunch, snack or dessert, whatever you like.
The cool thing about this recipe is how easy it is. You don’t need a fancy mixer or any hard to find ingredients. Just a few things from your pantry, a bowl, and a loaf pan, you will have a store bought quality product, that is also a great use of left over cranberries or walnuts.
You can now see why I absolutely love this recipe! Also, it is very adaptable. If you want to add citrus flavor, orange zest would be great. If you want to make it an even sweeter loaf, a simple glaze would do the trick. There really are endless possibilities. This will be a recipe you use over and over again.
Let’s not ignore the health benefits. Cranberries are filled with antioxidants and walnuts are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. So even though this bread seems decadent, it’s also a treat that you can feel good about eating.
This Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread has a fond place in my heart, as well as my kitchen. It all started on a cold fall morning, when I was searching for a way to use up some cranberries. I decided to put a simple bread recipe to test, and added some walnuts for crunch. I had no idea it would become a hit with my family.
The first time I made this, my husband could not stop raving about it! He is not a huge fan of baked goods, but could not get enough of this bread. “This is the best thing you have ever made!” he said, going in for a second piece. It has now become a regular in our house!
I’m not the only one who enjoys it, in fact everyone that I have made this bread for, whether it’s friends or family, love it too. I’ve even started gifting it during the holidays wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a bow. It’s one of those recipes that shares love and memories.
Why This Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread
This Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread has totally changed the game. Here’s why :
- Simple Ingredients : All you need are a few pantry staples and you’ll have a delicious fresh bread.
- Versatile : Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert.
- Customizable : You can add your own spin by incorporating different nuts, fruits, and spices.
- Healthy Indulgence : This bread is loaded with antioxidant power and healthy fats, so you can enjoy this indulgence guilt free.

Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread Tips
- Fresh or Dried Cranberries : Either will work, but dried cranberries make a sweeter loaf.
- Don’t Over-Mix : Over-mixing can make a dense loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Let Cool Completely : Make sure to allow the loaf to cool completely to get clean cuts.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts : Swap chopped walnuts for chopped pecans or almonds.
- Fruit : Try using raisins or chopped dried apricots instead of the cranberries.
- Gluten-Free : Just use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Make a Healthier Version
If you want to make this bread a little healthier, try the following substitutions :
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Use honey or maple syrup in place of the sugar.
- Use coconut oil in place of the butter.
Closing For Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread
And that’s it! A simple, easy, delicious recipe that will become a family favorite in your home. We would love to know how your Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread turned out, and we encourage you to check out some of our other recipes.
Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts with this Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread recipe. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in every slice, this bread is a wonderful treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cranberries and walnuts, tossing to coat them in the flour mixture.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bread light and fluffy.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 3449.37kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 139.41g215%
- Saturated Fat 42.96g215%
- Cholesterol 334.41mg112%
- Sodium 3226.72mg135%
- Potassium 1255.09mg36%
- Total Carbohydrate 520.38g174%
- Dietary Fiber 21.03g85%
- Sugars 303.26g
- Protein 58.3g117%
- Vitamin A 2107.58 IU
- Vitamin C 1.76 mg
- Calcium 888.85 mg
- Iron 17.3 mg
- Vitamin D 4.12 mcg
- Vitamin E 5.52 mg
- Vitamin K 17.96 mcg
- Thiamin 2.5 mg
- Riboflavin 2.14 mg
- Niacin 17.01 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.96 mg
- Folate 609.36 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.65 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 3.77 mg
- Phosphorus 1152.32 mg
- Magnesium 277.74 mg
- Zinc 7.12 mg
- Selenium 117.23 mcg
- Copper 2.41 mg
- Manganese 6.06 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.