Oh my gosh, you HAVE to hear about this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread I just made! The moment I took that first bite, my taste buds threw a nonstop party. Imagine the perfect blend of sweet cranberries and plump raisins mingling with crunchy toasted walnuts, all wrapped in that warm, spicy hug of cinnamon. It’s like your favorite cinnamon raisin walnut loaf got a fruity upgrade with cranberries that add just the right tang. This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread wasn’t just good — it was unforgettable.
I’ve always loved rustic fruit nut bread, but this one hit different. The chewy, slightly chewy crumb paired with the crispy crust made it incredibly satisfying. Plus, I’ve been on a serious homemade cinnamon bread kick lately, and this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread slid right into the rotation. The aroma alone of this bread baking will have you dancing in the kitchen. If you’ve been craving artisan breads with a sweet, nutty pop, you’ve got to dive into this recipe with me.
I saw a stunning version of this bread floating around on Instagram, but it looked so complicated I almost swiped away. Then I thought, why not make my own version that’s totally doable without a bakery’s set-up? So I grabbed my ingredients and started experimenting — and trust me, it turned out better than I imagined. If you’ve ever wanted to make a rustic cranberry walnut bread that’s bursting with flavor and has just the right swirls of spice, this is your chance.
You gotta get in on this with me. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro at artisan bread recipes, this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread will blow your standards out of the water. Let’s get ready to make something utterly drool-worthy! Ready for all the tips and mouthwatering details? Let’s go!
What You Need
Alright foodie, this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread shines because of the quality of its ingredients — no shortcuts here! Stock your pantry with these essentials to get that crunchy, chewy, sweet, and spicy balance just right.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (splurge on unbleached, organic for best texture and flavor)
- 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F to wake up the yeast perfectly)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (grab this from the international or baking aisle)
- 2 tablespoons honey (I like a wildflower variety for a floral sweet hint)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (freshly ground if you can swing it — this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread gets even better like that)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (balances the sweet and nutty flavors so well)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (look for tart and plump to add the best zing)
- ½ cup raisins (golden or regular, whichever you love)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra crunch and nutty depth)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing before baking, adds a subtle richness)
Quick tip for ingredient freshness: Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet just until fragrant, then let them cool before mixing. This little step puts the rustic fruit nut bread’s flavor on another level.
Dried fruit storage hack: Keep your cranberries and raisins in an airtight container so they stay soft and juicy — no one wants leathery bites. Oh, and if you like a heavier cinnamon punch in your homemade cinnamon bread, bump that cinnamon up to two teaspoons. It really wakes up the flavor!
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is all about that perfect balance of chew, crunch, and sweetness. With these ingredients, you’ll build a loaf that tastes like a cozy hug and an energizing snack rolled into one. And trust me, this ingredient lineup makes it absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Make It
Ready to get your hands messy? Making this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread step-by-step is pure fun that ends with a showstopper loaf.
- Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for around 5 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that amazing rise.
- Mix the dry ingredients. While the yeast wakes up, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and salt. This combo starts layering the flavors of your cinnamon raisin walnut loaf — that cinnamon aroma kicks in early!
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about perfection here; rustic is the goal. This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread thrives on a natural, imperfect shape.
- Add the fruit and nuts. Gently fold in your cranberries, raisins, and toasted walnuts. This is the moment you see the rustic fruit nut bread turning into the studded masterpiece you’ve been dreaming of!
- First rise time. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot and let the dough rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Your kitchen will be flooded with the cinnamon-sweet aroma — keep peeking!
- Shape your loaf. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, fold it over a few times, and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a Dutch oven if you want that bakery crust. This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread looks so inviting even before it hits the oven!
- Second rise. Cover again and let it rise for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F. This step is key to that pillowy crumb.
- Bake the bread. Brush the top with melted butter (hello richness) and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden, deep brown crust that crackles when tapped. Your kitchen’s going to smell absolutely incredible!
- Cool it properly. Let your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. The waiting is tough, but the crumb sets perfectly.
Pro tip: If you’re curious about no-knead artisan bread options, check out this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Dutch Oven) – Bowl of Delicious. It’s a great shortcut for busy foodie days!
Also, if you’re thinking about trying wild berry versions, the Blueberry Jam Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Sourdough Bread over on this Facebook group is an epic inspiration.
Owning the art of this bread’s timing and smell makes every bake feel like a small kitchen celebration. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens with your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread!
Serving This Up
Okay, so your kitchen just birthed one of the most drool-worthy loaves ever — now what? There are SO many ways to enjoy this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread that it’s impossible to get bored.
Toast thick slices for breakfast and spread with cream cheese or honey butter. The crunch meets sweet fruit and spicy cinnamon in every bite — total win. Or, serve it alongside a hot bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy lunch that’s pure comfort food vibes.
This rustic cranberry walnut bread steals the show at brunch, especially when paired with sharp cheddar or goat cheese. Trust me, the tangy cheeses play off the sweet nuts and berries perfectly. For an afternoon snack, slice and toast it, then add a smear of almond butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a slight upgrade.
Planning a holiday gathering? Your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread will vanish faster than you can say “pass the butter.” Present it in a basket lined with a linen napkin for the perfect rustic look that’s totally ‘grammable.
Leftover lover? Transform those day-old slices into cinnamon bread pudding or French toast. I even tried crumbling it over a salad for a sneaky crunch vibe.
For seasonal twists, swap out some cranberries for dried figs or blueberries (I found a killer No-Knead Fig and Walnut Artisan Bread – Harvest & Nourish recipe that’s a great variation to try if you want to mix things up).
Crowd reactions? Let’s just say this walnut cranberry loaf disappears at any party. Your foodie friends will be asking for this rustic fruit nut bread recipe on repeat!
For more cozy breads with that great cinnamon kick, check out these cinnamon swirl banana bread and cinnamon roll pancakes from FoodieDishes — perfect to have in your baking arsenal alongside this favorite.
Your Questions Answered
I know this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread sparks a bunch of questions, so here are some answers that might help you nail this rustic fruit nut bread.
- How do I make this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread extra flavorful? Try to toast your walnuts and use fresh cinnamon powder. Also, soak raisins and cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before adding them — it amps up the fruity pop.
- Can I meal prep this bread? Totally! Slice and freeze the loaf in airtight bags. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked feel any day.
- What’s the best way to reheat Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread without losing quality? Use a toaster or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crust crunchy and the inside soft.
- Can I make a cinnamon raisin walnut loaf without cranberries? Yes, swapping cranberries for extra raisins creates a more classic cinnamon raisin walnut loaf vibe that’s equally delicious.
- How long does this homemade cinnamon bread keep fresh? Keep it wrapped tightly at room temp for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. If you want to stretch its life, slice first so you can just grab what you want.
- Can I use a bread machine? You can! Add ingredients in the machine’s order and select the dough cycle. Finish shaping and bake in the oven for best crust results.
- Can I substitute walnuts for other nuts? Absolutely, pecans or hazelnuts work great and bring their own twist to this rustic fruit nut bread.
If you want to dive deeper into no-knead options, this no-knead fig and walnut artisan bread from Harvest & Nourish is a great resource to try out an easier artisan bread recipe style.
Got more questions? I’m all ears for your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread experiments!
Final Bites
If you’re hunting for a bread that’s equal parts cozy and sophisticated, this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread deserves its spot in your baking lineup. It nails that balance of sweet, nutty, chewy, and crisp that we all crave in a rustic fruit nut bread.
My Foodie Tips
1. Toast your nuts to unlock that deep roasted flavor.
2. Don’t skip the second rise — it makes all the difference for crumb texture.
3. Use high-quality cinnamon or grind your own to maximize that warm spice punch.
For those who want to mix it up, here are some fab Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread variations to try:
- Swap cranberries for dried blueberries or figs.
- Make it a sourdough cinnamon raisin walnut loaf using your starter.
- Add orange zest for a bright citrus twist.
The most love goes to the version with cranberries and walnuts — the contrast of tart berries and crunchy nuts keeps everyone coming back for more.
You’ve got this! Customize, experiment, and share your successes. Baking this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is pure joy — both in making it and devouring it.
If you love this, you also need to check out the luscious cranberry orange scones on FoodieDishes for another fruit-nut flavor delight.
I am SO pumped for you to try making this luscious Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread. It’s an absolute winner that will light up your baking routine. Happy baking, fellow foodie!
Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread combines sweet dried fruits, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon for a deliciously hearty loaf perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the warm water and honey, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape into a round loaf, and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, grease it lightly with olive oil, and place the dough inside.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For an extra touch, toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat.