Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Combining the sweet and tart notes of cranberries and raisins with the crunchy texture of walnuts and warm cinnamon, the Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is an enchanting treat that can transform your home into a cozy bakery. Imagine pulling this golden loaf from the oven, the warm aroma wrapping around you like a cherished hug. The beautiful crust, kissed with rustic rustic tones, invites you to take a bite, while the soft, pillowy inside waits to reveal its delightful mix of flavors. It’s a heartwarming addition to your table, especially as we step into the season of love.
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I remember the first time I attempted to bake a decorative loaf for Valentine’s Day. Flour dusted everywhere, and my heart racing with excitement. As I sliced into my misshapen masterpiece that day, the blend of warm spices and tart fruits came alive, making the effort feel utterly worth it. Each slice was an invitation to share, connect, and spread a little joy. That’s exactly the feeling this Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread evokes. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bake some memories together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This artisan bread can be made in about 10 minutes of prep followed by an overnight rise, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each slice is fragrant and packed with bursts of juicy cranberries, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts, all embraced by warm cinnamon.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its beautiful rustic crust and inviting aroma make it perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it fresh from the oven, as a delightful breakfast, or offer it at brunch parties—this bread shines in any setting.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting the flour with a suitable alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups room-temperature water: This is essential for activating the yeast and developing the dough’s structure without shocking the yeast.
- 2–3 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with the bread’s browning. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar if desired.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes your bread rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast but reduce the amount slightly.
- 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour: Bread flour gives a chewier texture. All-purpose flour works, too—just know the final result may be slightly softer.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough. Be careful with table salt; use a little less to avoid over-salting.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice is at the heart of the flavor profile, providing a cozy aroma and taste.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries: These jewels add both sweetness and tartness. Feel free to use a mix of cranberries and cherries for variation.
- ½–¾ cup raisins: They contribute a natural sweetness, and you can swap in any dried fruit you love, like dried figs or apricots.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Their crunchiness elevates the texture. If you’re nut-free, simply omit them or replace them with pumpkin seeds.
How to Make Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Stir and Activate: In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature water with honey. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to create a beautifully risen bread.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, and ground cinnamon until well mixed. This ensures that your salt and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, enhancing the flavor in every bite.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough is shaggy and somewhat sticky. At this point, you might want to use a spatula or your hands to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring that the flour is fully incorporated.
Rise Overnight: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 8–10 hours. This slow fermentation creates great flavor and stretches the gluten, making your bread nice and airy.
Shape and Chill: After the long rise, gently turn the dough onto a floured surface. Fold in the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped walnuts, then shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl, cover with a towel, and refrigerate overnight. Resting the dough in the fridge helps develop texture and flavor.
Preheat and Prepare: The next day, preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C) with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Preheating ensures a hot environment, which helps the bread achieve that coveted crispy crust.
Score and Bake: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside, score the top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape, and cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the bread is a lovely golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Patience is key here—allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is cooled, you can store it at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to refrigerate it for about a week. For long-term storage, slice the bread and place it in an airtight container or bag, then freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply reheat in a toaster or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Note that while freezing can alter the texture slightly, refreshing it in the oven can help revive that just-baked quality.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overworking the dough; this can lead to tough bread, so mix just until combined.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam, it may be expired.
- Check your water temperature! It should feel warm to your touch, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a varied texture, try folding in different nuts or seeds such as pecans, sunflower seeds, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- If your dough seems too sticky, a little more flour may help during shaping, but be careful—too much can make the bread dense.
- This bread is delightful as it is, but feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can take things up a notch.
As you gather the ingredients to make Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread, remember that each step is not just a process but a joy-filled journey. This bread brings together sweet moments you can share with loved ones, and the blend of flavors makes every bite something to love. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a treat to share with friends, its warmth and charm will surely be a heartwarming addition to any get-together. So go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy every delectable moment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Absolutely! However, fresh fruit contains more moisture than dried fruit. If you decide to use fresh cranberries or other fruits, consider reducing the amount of water in your dough slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make your Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread vegan-friendly, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. This keeps the sweetness intact while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle!
Can I double the recipe easily?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl for the dough. The rising and baking times will remain the same, but be sure to let them cool properly before slicing.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to using old yeast or the water being too hot or too cold. You can also try placing the bowl in a warmer, draft-free area or using a food dehydrator set to low heat. Just be patient, as some dough takes longer to rise!
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread combines sweet cranberries, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts, creating a deliciously warm and inviting flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as a special treat, its simple prep and impressive results make it a must-try for all home bakers!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups room-temperature water
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ½–¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Stir water and honey, add yeast and let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- Whisk bread flour, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Combine yeast mixture with dry ingredients until shaggy and sticky.
- Cover and let rise at room temperature for 8-10 hours.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, fold in cranberries, raisins, walnuts, shape into a loaf, and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
- Score the dough, place it in the Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Store cooled bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 1 week.
For long-term storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat sliced bread in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
