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Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread

A cozy artisan bread loaf filled with tart cranberries, sweet raisins, and toasty walnuts, perfect for busy mornings and special brunches.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt Keep salt and yeast separate when measuring.
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (about 95–105°F)
  • 2 tbsp softened butter or olive oil (optional, for richer dough)
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (optional, for egg wash)
  • extra flour for dusting
For the mix-ins
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped if large
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 3/4 cup walnuts toasted and coarsely chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
  2. Pour in the lukewarm water and the softened butter or olive oil, if using. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the cranberries, raisins, and walnuts over the dough. Fold the dough over itself until evenly distributed.
  5. Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has increased about 1.5–2 times.
Shaping and Proofing
  1. Lightly flour your countertop. Turn the dough out and shape it into a round by folding the edges to the center and flipping it seam-side down.
  2. Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a well-floured proofing basket. Let it proof for 45–60 minutes.
  3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last 30 minutes of proofing.
Baking
  1. Invert the dough onto a parchment sheet. Score the top with a knife. Optionally apply the egg wash for a glossy finish.
  2. Transfer to the preheated Dutch oven or baking stone. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden.
Cooling
  1. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30–45 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If your dried fruit is very dry, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to keep it plump during baking. Toast walnuts for enhanced flavor.