Easy No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest

A rustic, bakery-style loaf with minimal effort and maximum flavor

There is something deeply comforting about baking bread at home — the gentle bloom of yeast, the slow rise, the crackle of a golden crust fresh from the oven. This easy no-knead cranberry walnut bread with orange zest brings all of that magic into your kitchen without complicated steps, special equipment, or kneading skills. It’s the kind of bread that looks artisan, tastes bakery-quality, and yet fits effortlessly into a busy schedule.

This loaf is soft and chewy inside, crusty on the outside, and generously filled with tart dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and fragrant orange zest. The flavor combination feels festive yet timeless, making it perfect for holidays, cozy weekends, or simply elevating an everyday breakfast or snack.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its no-knead method. Instead of working the dough by hand, time does all the heavy lifting. A long, slow fermentation allows gluten to develop naturally, resulting in a beautifully structured loaf with deep, complex flavor. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience.

---

Why You’ll Love This No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

This recipe checks all the boxes for both beginner and experienced home bakers:

• No kneading required — just mix and rest
• Minimal hands-on time — perfect for overnight baking
• Naturally rustic appearance — no shaping perfection needed
• Balanced sweet and nutty flavor with citrus brightness
• Versatile loaf for breakfast, brunch, cheese boards, or gifting

The addition of orange zest subtly perfumes the dough without overpowering it. It enhances the cranberries’ tartness and pairs beautifully with the earthy walnuts. The result is a loaf that tastes special but never fussy.

---

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb
• Instant or active dry yeast – Gives the dough its rise
• Fine sea salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• Warm water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour
• Honey or maple syrup – Adds gentle sweetness and depth
• Orange zest – Brings brightness and aroma
• Dried cranberries – Tart, chewy bursts of flavor
• Walnuts – Toasted for crunch and nuttiness

This ingredient list is simple, flexible, and forgiving. You can easily adjust quantities or swap in alternatives depending on what you have on hand.

---

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, orange zest, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Stir to distribute evenly.
2. Add Liquids
   Pour in warm water and honey. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. No kneading is needed.
3. First Rise (Overnight)
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly on the surface.
4. Preheat the Oven
   Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) in the oven. Preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
5. Shape the Dough
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface. With lightly floured hands, gently shape into a round loaf. Do not deflate more than necessary.
6. Bake Covered
   Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Bake Uncovered
   Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until deeply golden and crusty.
8. Cool Completely
   Transfer bread to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to set the crumb.

---

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t rush the rise: Longer fermentation equals better flavor.
• Toast the walnuts: Lightly toasting enhances their depth and aroma.
• Use fresh zest: Avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
• Let it cool fully: Cutting too early can result in a gummy interior.

---

Variations to Try

• Cranberry Orange Pecan Bread – Swap walnuts for pecans
• Rosemary Cranberry Bread – Add fresh rosemary for a savory twist
• Whole Wheat Version – Replace up to 50% of flour with whole wheat
• Seeded Crust – Sprinkle sesame or oats before baking

---

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile:

• Toasted with butter or cream cheese
• Paired with sharp cheddar or brie
• Served alongside soups and salads
• Drizzled with honey for breakfast
• Wrapped as a homemade holiday gift

It also freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing for easy single servings.

---

A Little Bread History

No-knead bread gained popularity for a reason — it democratized artisan baking. Rooted in European traditions of long fermentation, this method relies on time instead of technique. Adding dried fruit and nuts is a classic way to adapt rustic loaves for celebrations, especially during autumn and winter months.

---

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a loaf that feels special but doesn’t demand hours of effort, this easy no-knead cranberry walnut bread with orange zest is the answer. It’s approachable, beautiful, and endlessly comforting — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to year after year.