Delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest Recipe

If you are craving something delightfully moist and packed with flavor, this Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest is an absolute must-try. Combining fresh cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a burst of citrus brightness, this bread brings warmth and zest to every bite. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Tangy Flavor: The cranberries provide a natural tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bread.
• Crunchy Walnut Texture: Every bite has a satisfying crunch from the toasted walnuts, adding depth and interest.
• Bright Citrus Zest: Orange zest adds a fresh aroma and lively citrus note that lifts the entire loaf.
• Moist and Tender Crumb: This bread stays soft and moist for days, making it ideal for enjoying over multiple occasions.
• Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full potential of your Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest. Each element plays a role in building texture, flavor, and color that make this bread special.

• Fresh cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and a wonderful juicy texture.
• Chopped walnuts: Provides crunch and a nutty richness that balances the tartness.
• Orange zest: Contributes a bright and fragrant citrus twist without any added moisture.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread, creating structure and softness.
• Baking powder: Helps the bread rise, ensuring a light and airy crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and enhances the natural flavors.
• Plant-based yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and adds tenderness without heaviness.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps maintain moisture throughout baking.
• Vanilla extract (natural): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Plant-based milk: Adjusts batter consistency while complementing other ingredients.
• Natural gelling agent: Ensures perfect crumb structure and moisture retention.

Variations for Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to personalize based on your preferred ingredients, dietary needs, or the flavors you want to highlight. Feel free to swap or add elements to make it truly your own.

• Swap walnuts for pecans: For a slightly sweeter nutty flavor and buttery texture.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg: Incorporate warm spices to enhance the autumnal feel.
• Use dried cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried ones work well, just reduce sugar slightly.
• Add orange juice: Replace some plant-based milk with fresh orange juice for extra citrus brightness.
• Include smoked turkey slices: Toasted and finely chopped, adding a savory twist to balance the sweetness.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven and line your bread pan with parchment or lightly grease it. Chop walnuts and zest fresh oranges. Measure out all dry and wet ingredients so that assembling the batter is smooth and quick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure even rising and texture throughout your bread.

Step 3: Stir Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together plant-based yogurt, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, vanilla extract (natural), and freshly grated orange zest. This mixture will provide moisture and bright flavor to the loaf.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients into the dry mix carefully, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the bread remains tender and moist.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts

Gently fold fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries, to keep their juicy texture intact.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps preserve the texture and prevents crumbs from falling apart.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest

• Use fresh oranges for zest: It ensures bright, vibrant citrus flavor that dried zest can’t match.
• Toast walnuts lightly: Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
• Do not overmix the batter: Keeps the bread light and prevents toughness.
• Fold cranberries gently: Preserves their shape and juicy burst in the bread.
• Check baking time carefully: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.

How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional toasted walnuts on top or dust with a light coating of powdered sugar (natural) to add visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm plant-based spread such as almond butter or creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based), and a side of fresh fruit complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thickly and serve with a drizzle of warmed natural maple syrup or a light smear of whipped plant-based cream (plant-based) for a decadent brunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing so you can thaw individual portions easily. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back softness and enhance the aroma of orange and walnuts.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be substituted, but reduce the sugar slightly since dried fruit is naturally sweeter. The texture will be chewier.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I store leftover bread to keep it moist?

Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature, which helps lock in moisture and freshness.

Can I substitute orange zest with lemon zest?

Yes, lemon zest offers a different but equally refreshing citrus flavor that pairs well with cranberries and walnuts.

What is the best way to toast walnuts?

Spread walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a dry oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will brighten up your baking repertoire. Whether you are treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, its moist crumb, tangy cranberries, nutty crunch, and fresh citrus notes make every bite feel like a cozy celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to homemade favorites.

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