Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe – No-Knead, No Oil, No Sugar!

I always thought you needed a Dutch oven for good no-knead bread, but guess what? You do not! This No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe turns out perfectly crusty on the outside and soft inside with barely any effort. If you love homemade bread but want to keep things simple, this recipe is for you!

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty baking recipes!

---

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

I’ve baked a lot of bread, but this no-knead bread without a Dutch oven is one I keep making. It’s ridiculously easy, and the results are always amazing. If you think homemade bread is too much work, this recipe will change your mind!

Here’s why I love it—and why you will too.

• No kneading required – Seriously, you just mix the ingredients and bake. No sore arms, no hassle.
• No Dutch oven needed – If you’ve been avoiding baking bread at home because you don’t have a Dutch oven, I get it. But guess what? You don’t need one! This method works perfectly with just a baking tray and parchment paper.
• Crispy crust, soft inside – That perfect crunch when you slice into a fresh loaf? Yeah, you’ll get that. And inside? Light, airy, and just chewy enough.
• Naturally sweet and nutty – The dried cranberries add just the right amount of sweetness, and the walnuts give it a delicious crunch. Every bite is a little different, and I love that.

If you’ve never made no knead bread recipe, this is the perfect place to start. It’s low effort, high reward, and honestly, kind of addictive once you realize how easy homemade bread can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this quick no-knead bread—spoiler: it’s simple! No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, just a few basics that come together to make something seriously delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lukewarm water, about 100°F or 38°C – 1 ⅓ cups (320ml)
• Instant dry yeast – 1 teaspoon (4g)
• Bread flour – 3 ⅓ cups (400g) 
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (6g)
• Chopped walnuts- ¾ cup (80g) 
• Dried cranberries – ¾ cup (100g) 

This high-protein, unbleached organic bread flour gives this no-knead cranberry walnut bread a better rise, a chewier texture, and a crispier crust—perfect for a light, airy loaf without extra effort!

TAP ON IMAGE TO VIEW PRICE

Step-By-Step Guide to This Cranberry Bread Recipe

This bread recipe couldn’t be easier—just mix, let it rise, and bake! I’ll walk you through it so you get a crispy crust and soft, chewy inside.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Mix the Dough
Alright, take a big bowl and pour in some lukewarm water. Stir in the yeast until it dissolves, then start adding the flour and salt. Mix it up until you’ve got a messy, shaggy dough. It won’t look pretty, but trust me, it’s perfect.

Step 2: Let It Rest
Cover it up and let it chill for 15 minutes. Then, give it a few folds to help everything come together. Do this three times, with little breaks in between. Super easy.

Note: This folding step helps develop gluten without kneading. It makes the dough stretchy and gives you that perfect texture.

Step 3: Time to Rise
Cover it again and let it hang out until it doubles in size. This takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how warm your kitchen is. Go do something fun while you wait! 

Note: Once the dough doubles it size, gently press it down to release some of the air. Use a spoon or a spatula to gently fold it over a few times to deflate it slightly. 

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
Now, toss in the cranberries and walnuts. Gently fold them in—no need to overdo it, just make sure they’re spread out so every bite gets some of that sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Shape It Up
Lightly flour your counter, then shape the dough into a round loaf. Want extra crispy crusts? Split it into smaller loaves instead.

Tip: Don’t press too hard! Gently tuck the edges under to create a smooth surface on top.

Step 6: One More Rise

Pop the dough onto some parchment paper and let it rise for another 40 minutes. Almost there!

Top Tip: If you do not have parchment paper, shape aluminum foil into a boat-like mold, lightly grease it with oil, and then place the dough inside—this prevents sticking and helps the bread keep its shape while baking!

Step 7: Score & Bake
Dust a little flour on top, then grab a sharp knife and make a quick score. This helps control how it expands in the oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes until it’s golden, crisp, and making your kitchen smell incredible.

Now, the hardest part—waiting for your cranberry walnut bread to cool before slicing. But once you do? Totally worth it. Enjoy!

Check Out Also: How To Bake Crusty Bread At Home (Super Easy Recipe)!

Tips for the Best Quick Crusty Bread Recipe Without a Dutch Oven

Want that perfect crispy crust and soft, airy inside? These simple tricks will take your quick crusty bread recipe to the next level!

• Use parchment paper “boats” – This helps keep the dough in shape while baking.
• Mist the oven – Spraying water inside the oven before baking creates steam for a crispier crust.
• Let the bread cool – Resist the urge to slice it immediately. Cooling helps the texture set properly.

How to Store This Cranberry Walnut Bread

This bread stays crispy on the outside and soft inside when stored the right way. If you plan to eat it within a day or two, just keep it on the counter wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the crust crisp while preventing it from drying out too fast.

For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you like a crisp crust, just pop it in a hot oven (350°F or 175°C) for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Want to freeze it? Slice it first so you can grab a piece whenever you want. Wrap the slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, just toast a slice or warm it in the oven—it will taste freshly baked!

Turn Leftovers into Something New – Stale slices? Toast them for breakfast, make homemade croutons, or turn them into a sweet bread pudding. This bread is too good to waste!

More Bread Recipes to Try

If you loved this cranberry walnut bread recipe, you’ll want to check out these other fun and delicious bread ideas. Whether you’re looking for high protein, low carb, or something totally different, there’s a loaf here for you!

• Cottage Cheese Bread – This one’s packed with protein and has a soft, slightly tangy flavor. It’s super easy to make and great for toast or sandwiches!
• Flourless Lentil Bread – No flour, just lentils! It bakes up dense yet soft, making it a great high-fiber, gluten-free option.
• Ultimate Low-Carb Flaxseed Bread – If you’re cutting carbs but still want good bread, this one’s for you. It’s hearty, slightly nutty, and perfect for a keto-friendly diet.
• Healthier Homemade Grain-Free Bread – No grains, no problem! This loaf has a great texture and works well for anyone avoiding traditional flours.

Try one out and see which one becomes your new favorite!