Why Make This Recipe
Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a dinner side. The mix of dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts creates a wonderful texture and taste that many love. Not only is this bread easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as toast the next day!
How to Make Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups + 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt (adds savory flavor)
- 3/8 cup of dried cranberries (sweet and tart flavor)
- 3/8 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 1.5 teaspoons of pure honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast
Directions
- In a large pot, mix together the flour and salt.
- Add in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water and honey.
- Add in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the pot with the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf on a piece of parchment paper.
- Transfer the loaf and parchment paper to a baking sheet and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake the bread for 25-35 minutes, until it is golden brown on top.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry Walnut Bread is versatile! You can serve it warm with butter for breakfast or toast it and add cream cheese for a tasty snack. It also pairs wonderfully with soups and salads at lunch or dinner. This bread tastes great on its own but can be enhanced with spreads like jam or honey.
How to Store Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread
To keep your homemade bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature. It can last for 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly and put it in a zip-top bag. Frozen bread can last up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to eat!
Tips to Make Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which makes the bread rise properly.
- For extra flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Variation
If you’re looking to change things up, you can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries. You can also use different nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. However, the bread may turn out denser, so you might want to mix it with all-purpose flour.
2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm enough to activate it.
3. How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt adds savory flavor
- 3/8 cup dried cranberries provides sweet and tart flavor
- 3/8 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water ensure water is warm, not hot
- 1.5 teaspoons pure honey
- 1/4 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, mix together the flour and salt.
- Add in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water and honey.
- Add in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the pot with the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf on a piece of parchment paper.
- Transfer the loaf and parchment paper to a baking sheet and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake the bread for 25-35 minutes, until it is golden brown on top.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.