You know that feeling when something delicious just clicks in your kitchen and becomes an instant favorite? That’s exactly how Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread found its way into my foodie life. I stumbled on this gem one chilly afternoon while flipping through some artisan bread recipes, and right away, I thought, “I have to bake this!” The mix of tart cranberries, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon just felt like the perfect combo to cozy up with. It’s one of those breads that’s not just good—it’s a little celebration nestled in every slice.
What I love most about this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is how it fits effortlessly into my everyday food rhythm. On busy mornings, a slice toasted with a blob of butter starts my day on the right foot. Or, when friends drop by unexpectedly, this loaf turns any coffee or tea moment into something memorable. It’s not fancy or over the top, but every bite brings that warm, rustic cinnamon bread vibe that’s just pure comfort. Plus, making a homemade fruit and nut bread feels like a win every single time.
If you’re the kind of foodie who loves discovering easy breads that deliver on flavor and heart, then you’re going to adore this cranberry raisin loaf. I’m super pumped for you to give it a try and see how this rustic cinnamon bread magic unfolds in your kitchen. Trust me, once it’s out of the oven, you’ll be sharing it with everyone too! Ready to dive in? Let’s chat about what you’ll need to get started on your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread adventure.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s where this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread keeps it totally approachable. You don’t need a long shopping list, just simple, quality ingredients that create big flavor.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (You can swap half for whole wheat if you want a nuttier twist)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (Check your pantry or find it at any regular grocery)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (Brown sugar works great here for extra warmth)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (Feel free to bump this up for more spicy cinnamon walnut bread vibes)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (Around 110°F – just warm enough to activate your yeast)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup raisins (Mix these dried fruits however you like for your perfect cranberry raisin loaf)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (A little extra crunch never hurts; I always add a handful more)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Keeps the dough supple and adds a subtle richness)

This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is wallet-friendly, especially since all these ingredients are staples or easy to grab. The dried fruit and nuts add that homemade fruit and nut bread charm without fuss. Quick prep tip: to ensure the dried cranberries and raisins stay juicy in your loaf, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing them in, then drain well. Leftover bread stores beautifully in a bread box or a loose plastic bag at room temp for up to three days, or pop slices in the freezer for longer. My personal twist? I toss my walnuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them—they get that perfect toasted crunch that pairs like a dream with the cinnamon.
Let’s Cook This Together:
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is a fun project that feels like you’re truly crafting something special but doesn’t need to take over your day. Start to finish, you’re looking at about 3 hours — mostly hands-off time while the dough rises and does its thing.
- Bloom Your Yeast
In your mixing bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. When it’s foamy and bubbly, you know your yeast is awake and ready—basically the first win of the day. - Mix Dry Ingredients Together
While the yeast activates, whisk flour, salt, and cinnamon in a big bowl. This rustic cinnamon bread base smells incredible already. - Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mix, stirring gently until it forms a shaggy dough. Add the cranberries, raisins, and walnuts next, folding them in evenly so every bite has that burst of fruit and nut crunch. - Knead With Heart
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth but still a bit sticky. Here’s a kitchen nugget: if your dough feels too sticky, add flour a spoonful at a time, but don’t overdo it—better a slightly tacky dough than one too stiff. - First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, pour yourself something to drink and chill for a bit—this wait time always feels like an earned break. - Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down your dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or your favorite proofing basket for artisan bread recipes. Cover again and let rise for another 45 minutes. - Bake the Magic
Pop the loaf in a preheated 375°F oven for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon walnut dreams by now! - Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool fully on a rack before slicing. This rest is crucial so your cranberry raisin loaf slices cleanly without squishing.
If your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread looks a little uneven or rustic on top, that’s totally part of the charm. No worries, it still tastes amazing. In fact, those charming imperfections remind me of this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread I adore from Bowl of Delicious—they embrace home-baked soul.
While you’re at it, if you’re curious about more artisan bread recipes to add to your repertoire, definitely peek at my Homemade Italian Bread recipe—it’s another crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with fruity, nutty loafs like this.
How to Serve & Savor It:

This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread truly shines with simple accompaniments that let its flavors sing. I love slicing it thick and toasting it just until the edges get crispy, then slathering on creamy butter or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a warm mug of chai or cozy coffee.
Looking to serve it for company? This cranberry raisin loaf is a star alongside sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or tangy goat cheese—an easy cheese board upgrade. Or try it with a batch of my Cranberry Jalapeño Dip for a playful sweet and spicy combo that’s always a hit at gatherings.
Perfect times for this rustic cinnamon bread include weekend brunches or holiday breakfasts around the table. For a creative leftover twist, I cube the bread for a sweet bread stuffing or transform slices into French toast—both ways bring out those cinnamon walnut bread notes in fun new ways.
Friends and family have a way of requesting this loaf like clockwork after tasting it once, which always makes me smile. It’s joyful food made easy, and sharing it feels like giving a little edible hug.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread ahead?
Absolutely! You can make your dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the fridge (covered, of course), then shape and bake fresh in the morning. It’s a kitchen life-saver when you want fresh bread but need to spread out your work.
What’s a good swap for walnuts in this bread?
Pecans or almonds work great too—they give you that crunchy texture with slight flavor changes. If nuts aren’t your thing, just leave them out or toss in sunflower seeds for a nut-free twist.
Can I make this recipe for more or fewer people?
Totally! The recipe scales well. For fewer people, halve the ingredients and shape a smaller loaf. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double it and bake two loaves—or try mixing in mixed dried fruit for a fun spin.
Can I make this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can mix and knead by hand just fine. It gives you more kitchen connection, and I promise it’s not as intimidating as it seems.
Do I have to use dried cranberries and raisins?
Nope! You can swap dried cherries, apricots, or even dried blueberries for different fruity accents. Just chop bigger pieces so they spread evenly.
What’s a good baking vessel for this bread?
You can bake it freeform on a baking sheet or use a dutch oven like the method in this No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread for a hearty crust.
Any tips for making the cinnamon walnut bread more tender?
Adding a spoonful of yogurt or milk (in place of some water) softens the crumb. I’ve played around with both, and they’re easy ways to get a softer loaf.
If you’re into this kind of homemade fruit and nut bread magic, check out the great conversation and tips in this Sunday Sourdough Facebook group post—I picked up a bunch of cozy bread ideas there.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread that keeps it locked in a special place in my foodie heart. It’s an everyday awesome food that always earns a second, third, and fourth slice! The warmth of cinnamon combined with the playful tartness of cranberries and sweet raisins feels like a hug you can eat. Plus, the walnuts add that rustic textural balance that makes this cornucopia of flavors a make-again recipe for me.
My Top Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread Tips:
- Be patient with your dough rises—they’re key to that perfect chewy texture.
- Toast your walnuts first to add a rich crunch that pops.
- Don’t skip the soak for your dried fruit—it keeps them soft and juicy inside the loaf.
Some fun variations I’ve loved: swapping in orange zest for a citrus twist, adding a handful of chocolate chips for an after-dinner treat, or mixing in pumpkin pie spice during cooler months for a seasonal nod. The version that really gets requested again and again is the classic cranberry raisin loaf with that extra cinnamon punch—simple, cozy, and totally addictive.
I hope you feel inspired to make this Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread your own. Whether you’re new to baking artisan bread recipes or a seasoned pro, this loaf hits all the comfort notes without fuss. Can’t wait to hear what you think once it’s out of the oven! Dive in, have fun, and happy baking, friends.
If you want more foodie inspiration that pairs beautifully with this bread, take a peek at my Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for a sweet morning twist, or my go-to Homemade Italian Bread anytime you want classic rustic vibes.
For extra tasty bread love, there’s always a happy place in the kitchen with good friends and great food. Hope your Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread brings you that same joy!
Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread combines tart cranberries, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon for a flavorful, rustic loaf perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 servings)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Fold in the cranberries, raisins, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside to heat.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on parchment paper.
- Carefully transfer the dough with parchment paper into the preheated pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For an extra aromatic touch, brush the top with melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right after baking.

