Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tart dried cranberries and crunchy nuts. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s an easy homemade bread that adds a special touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 3/8 cup dried cranberries
• 3/8 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1.5 teaspoons pure honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, mix together the flour and coarse sea salt.
2. Step 2: Add the dried cranberries and chopped nuts, stirring until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine warm water and honey.
4. Step 4: Stir in the yeast and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
5. Step 5: Pour the yeast mixture into the pot with the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Step 6: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Step 7: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Step 9: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf on parchment paper.
10. Step 10: Transfer the loaf with the parchment to a baking sheet and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
11. Step 11: Bake for 25-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
12. Step 12: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the dough.
• Try substituting honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to complement the cranberries and add a citrusy twist.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water first and allowing it to proof until bubbly, which may take about 10 minutes. This step is slightly different from instant yeast, which can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients.

Can I substitute other dried fruits or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cranberries with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or cherries. Similarly, walnuts can be replaced with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference.

Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 494 reviews

This Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread recipe combines a delightful balance of tart dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts with a hint of sea salt and honey, resulting in a flavorful, moist loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this homemade bread boasts a beautiful golden crust and a tender crumb, making it a satisfying treat that pairs wonderfully with butter or cream cheese.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 3/8 cup dried cranberries
• 3/8 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1.5 teaspoons pure honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the all-purpose flour and coarse sea salt thoroughly ensuring even distribution of the salt to enhance flavor.
2. Add Cranberries and Nuts: Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts or pecans until well incorporated into the flour mixture to ensure they are evenly spread throughout the bread.
3. Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine warm water and pure honey. Add the instant yeast and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating active yeast development.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the pot with the dry ingredients and stir to form a rough dough, ensuring all components are blended.
5. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
6. First Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
8. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to expel air bubbles then shape it into a loaf on parchment paper to maintain structure while baking.
9. Second Dough Rise: Transfer the shaped loaf (on parchment) to a baking sheet and allow it to rise again for 20 minutes to develop a light texture.
10. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a hollow sound is heard when tapped.
11. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture and to allow flavors to set.

Notes

• Ensure water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease transfer to baking sheet.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans depending on preference.
• Letting the bread cool before slicing is key to maintain texture.
• Sea salt adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of cranberries and honey.

Keywords: cranberry walnut bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, fruit and nut bread, quick yeast bread, holiday bread