Delightful Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread Recipe

There was a day not long ago when I needed something deeply comforting and truly nourishing—more than just food, something for my soul. That’s when I reached for the recipe for Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread. This bread, with its warm cinnamon spice, the gentle sweetness of raisins, the tartness of cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts, became my quiet companion in a world that felt rushed and loud.

This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread isn’t just a loaf; it’s a ritual in my kitchen that I hold dear. As I measure the ingredients with intention, I’m reminded that cooking is a moment to slow down and connect, not just with food, but with myself. The bread’s fragrant aroma fills the room like a warm hug, inviting calm and comfort into the heart of my home.

What makes this cranberry walnut loaf so special is how it unites simple ingredients into something soulful and grounding. It’s the way the spices intertwine with the dried fruits and nuts, each bite offering a reminder that nourishment is about more than taste—it’s about presence and care.

Friends on this journey of mindful cooking, I invite you to lean into making this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread as an act of kindness to yourself. Let it be a gentle pause, a moment where your hands create something that feeds your spirit. Together, let’s honor these ingredients and the loving process that transforms them into a homemade spiced bread you’ll cherish.

Raw ingredients for Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread laid out in bowls and spoons

Soulful Ingredients for This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread:

Here is the heart of your cranberry walnut loaf, the thoughtful combination that brings this cinnamon flavored bread to life:

  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) bread flour – Choose organic or locally milled flour when possible to honor the earth’s gifts.
  • 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries (or dried unsweetened cranberries) – Fresh brings juiciness, dried offers concentrated tartness; both add vibrant symbolism of renewal.
  • 3/4 cup (115g) golden raisins – I love golden raisins here for their gentle sweetness that melts through the crumb; a mindful swap would be regular raisins or currants.
  • 1 cup (120g) walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped – Toasting releases warmth and depth in this raisin nut bread recipe, while also symbolizing transformation.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – This spice in your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread carries grounding qualities that soothe the soul.
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – For gentle sweetness and a hint of natural comfort.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt – To balance flavor and enhance the natural sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – The living ingredient that communicates growth and patience.
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (around 100°F/38°C) – Warm but not hot; a gentle nurturing touch for your yeast.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – Adds richness and tenderness; you may swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

For your homemade spiced bread, I always take a moment to appreciate how these ingredients come together to provide comfort and nourishment. Choosing organic or local botanical sources enhances connection to the land and season that accompanies your baking.

When storing your finished Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread, loosely wrap it in parchment or a breathable cloth to preserve its crust’s delicate treasure. Keep it at room temperature up to three days, or freeze slices for longer soulful enjoyment.

Creating Your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread with Presence:

This step-by-step mindful preparation helps you move through the process with grace and awareness, turning simple actions into soulful practice.

  1. Activate your yeast gently: Begin by mixing warm water, honey or maple syrup, and yeast in a bowl. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until bubbly. Pause here to breathe deeply and welcome the life growing in your ingredients.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, cinnamon, and salt. This cinnamon flavored bread’s spices will soon awaken your senses.
  3. Incorporate dried fruits and nuts: Fold in cranberries, golden raisins, and toasted walnuts carefully. Each addition is a reminder of abundance and care in your raisin nut bread recipe.
  4. Mix wet and dry: Pour the melted butter and activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently combine until the dough begins to form.
  5. Knead with intention: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead softly, noticing the textures and the rhythm of your hands. About 8–10 minutes creates a supple, cohesive dough.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering with a cloth. Set it in a warm corner to rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size. While waiting, step back and notice the quiet growth happening.
  7. Shape your loaf: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round artisan loaf. This stage connects your hands to the heart of the bread, inviting gentle presence.
  8. Final rise: Place your cranberry walnut loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a proofing basket. Cover and rest for another 45 minutes. Breathe again, savoring the anticipation.
  9. Bake with love: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you want a crusty crust, place a pan of water inside for steam. Score the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25–30 minutes, watching the golden crust form.
  10. Cool slowly: Once baked, let your homemade spiced bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Pause to appreciate the journey from raw ingredients to soulful nourishment.

If your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread looks a little different each time, trust the process. Artisan bread with dried fruits has a personality all its own, shaped by your hands and heart.

For more inspiration on cinnamon flavored bread, you might enjoy the no knead Dutch oven method from the No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe at Bowl of Delicious. It offers a lovely, hands-off way to cultivate gentle transformation with your dough.

Close-up of finished Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread on serving board

Nourishing with Your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread:

This cranberry walnut loaf truly shines when served with intention. I find it pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese, allowing the cinnamon and nutty notes to mingle with creamy textures. For a soulful breakfast, it’s wonderful toasted lightly and spread with a touch of honey or almond butter.

Meaningful moments for this homemade spiced bread are often quiet mornings, afternoon tea, or shared connections around a cozy table. Present it simply on a wooden board with a cloth napkin to invite calm and mindfulness to the meal.

Leftovers become a joyful opportunity—a toasted sandwich with melted brie and fresh greens, or cubes for a rustic bread salad alongside earthy root vegetables. In the spirit of seasonal soul cooking, I sometimes add orange zest or swap dried cherries for cranberries in fall, adapting this raisin nut bread recipe to the rhythms of the year.

Loved ones have received this cranberry walnut loaf with genuine gratitude, its warmth and flavor weaving threads of connection. If you feel moved, sharing a slice may become a heartfelt gift to those you cherish.

Gently pairing your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread with complementary flavors allows each bite to nourish body and spirit. For more soulful pairing ideas, you might enjoy the Sweet Potato Brie Cranberry Pecans recipe as a companion note to this bread.

Gentle Guidance for Your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread:

Can I prepare this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread with more mindfulness? Absolutely. Approach each step as a moment of self-care. Notice how the dough feels, how aromas evolve. Every stir and fold can ground you in the present.

What’s a nourishing alternative to wheat flour in this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread? You might try a mix of spelt or whole grain flour for added heartiness. Remember to adjust liquids gently, honoring how whole grains absorb moisture differently.

How can I make this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread feel more comforting? Adding a pinch of warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg can deepen warmth. A touch of vanilla extract in the wet mixture also brings soulful sweetness.

Is it possible to craft this bread without kneading? Yes, the no knead method from Bread Dad’s golden raisin cinnamon bread offers a slow-rise alternative that fosters patience and ease.

How do I store the Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread to keep it fresh? Wrap it gently in a cloth or place in a bread box at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze.

Can I use sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast? Definitely. Sourdough geeks have shared lovely versions like this honey raisin and walnut sourdough recipe, adding a beautiful tang and depth.

How do I handle the sticky dough from dried fruits? Lightly flour your hands and surfaces but avoid adding too much, which can dry the bread. Patience and tender handling help keep the dough lively.

What if I want a gluten-free version? You could experiment with gluten-free baking blends, though keeping the texture similar in artisan breads with dried fruits takes some practice and gentle intuition.

Let your intuition guide each choice. This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread weaves your care into each step.

Soulful Reflections on This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread:

This recipe holds a special place in my collection because it embraces the fullness of nourishment—body, mind, and heart. It’s not a hurried task but a meaningful ritual that invites pause and connection.

Heartfelt Tips for This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread:

  • Trust your hands and senses: Feel the dough’s texture more than following a timer rigidly.
  • Choose ingredients with love: Favor organic and local options to deepen your connection.
  • Serve with presence: Whether alone or with others, make the sharing meaningful.

Three soulful variations I cherish include using dried cherries instead of cranberries, adding orange zest for brightness, or folding in dark chocolate pieces for occasional indulgence.

The version that feels most nurturing is the classic cranberry walnut loaf with toasted nuts and gentle honey sweetness—simple and grounding.

I encourage you to bring your own signature to this homemade spiced bread. Let intuition be your guide as you move through the recipe with warmth and kindness.

When you enjoy this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread, I hope you feel held, comforted, and embraced—like a quiet pause in your day where nourishment is complete.

If this resonates, you might find joy in visiting the garlic bread favorite at Foods For Your Soul’s garlic bread recipe as another way to connect through food.

Thank you for sharing this path with me. May your baking be filled with gentle intentions and soulful moments.

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Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread

Homemade Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread Freshly Baked

This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread combines a perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon for a flavorful homemade loaf ideal for breakfast or snacks.

  • Author: Vionna Clarke
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Fold in cranberries, raisins, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
  4. Cover bowl with a damp cloth and let dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled.
  5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round loaf.
  6. Place loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven or heavy covered pot inside.
  8. Carefully transfer dough into the hot pot, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove lid and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.
  10. Let bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For an extra glossy crust, brush the loaf with a little melted butter immediately after baking. Serve with cream cheese or honey for a delicious treat.

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