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Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread

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Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

This is the kind of recipe that I think about long after the last piece has been enjoyed.  I dream about ways it can be tweaked and how to add more calories into my day so I can have another slice of this heavenly bread.  Lightly sweet, this braided loaf is filled with tangy rum-soaked cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped up in an orange scented slice of deliciousness.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

 Brown sugar, walnuts and cranberries combine for a tasty and simple filling.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

 While there are several steps to make this homemade yeast bread, each one is easy and enjoyable.  The night before baking mix together flour, water and yeast to create a starter.  Cover and leave at room temperature overnight.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

On baking day mix the starter with the remaining dough ingredients using a stand mixer.  Allow the dough to rise for a couple of hours then press into three rectangles.  Spoon the fruit and nut mixture on each piece of dough and roll into a log.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

 Braid the three pieces together into a loaf and allow it to rise for about an hour.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

This is a great recipe to try while you have things to do at home.  The hands on time is only about 20 minutes but the dough must rest and rise for almost 3 hours.  The upside is you can wrap presents or address Christmas cards and have fresh bread when you’re done!

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

Taking pictures of this warm loaf was difficult – it smelled incredible and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

This holiday bread is sure to impress!  I practically begged my husband to take half the warm loaf down the street to our son and daughter-in-law’s house so I wouldn’t eat the whole thing.  They loved it and almost ate it all before he got back home!  It’s really that good.

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

 

Don’t forget to PIN to your favorite baking board!

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

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Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 1 Loaf
Course: Sweet Bread
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
With a subtle orange flavor, a soft tender crumb, and a sweet fruit and nut filling

Ingredients

For the starter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cool water
  • 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast

For the dough:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk, white reserved
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange

For the filling:

  • 3/4 cups dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark spiced rum, optional

For the topping:

  • Coarse sugar

Instructions

  • The night before baking - make the starter. Combine the starter ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cool water and 1/8 teaspoon yeast.
  • On baking day scrape the starter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the remaining dough ingredients and knead until the dough is elastic and satiny. Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft free location for about 1 to 2 hours or until puffy (not the same as doubled in size - just puffy.)
  • While the dough is rising, combine the cranberries and rum. Stir occasionally while the dough is resting to re-hydrate the cranberries.
  • Divide the dough into three equal pieces, On a lightly floured surface, flatten each piece out into a 6" by 12" rectangle.
  • Drain any excess rum from the cranberries and add the brown sugar and walnuts. Stir until combined. Divide the filling between the three pieces of dough. Spread the filling leaving about 2 inches on one long side.
  • Starting with the long edge, roll each rectangle into a log taking care to seal the dough to prevent the filling from seeping out. Braid the logs together tucking the end pieces underneath. Place the braided dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly spray a piece of plastic wrap and cover the braid. Allow the dough to rise again just until puffy - about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Whisk the reserved egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush onto the braid. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cover with foil if needed to prevent the dough from getting to dark.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and place on a rack to cool.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour

 

Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread - it's subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike. www.savingdessert.com

 Are you ready?  I didn’t take a picture of the bottom of the tree because there are no presents wrapped!  I have high hopes that I’ll be super productive this weekend.  Are you baking, shopping or wrapping?  I’m doing all of the above and celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary.  Busy, busy weekend ahead!  Thanks so much for stopping by and Merry Christmas!

Tricia

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25 Comments

  1. 2 Sisters Recipes...by Anna and Liz says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:31 am

    oh your grandson’s stocking hung on your mantle, so precious. And Y0ur tree is gorgeous! Well we have to tell you – your bread is as sweet as you Tricia! Have a wonderful Anniversary and Christmas next week! Enjoy!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 18, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks so much for your kind comments and friendship! Blessings to you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      reply to this comment >
  2. Beth says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    Your bread sounds like it was a real hit! A perfect treat, for Christmas time or for anytime.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 16, 2014 at 12:19 am

      Thanks Beth – hope you have a blessed Christmas!

      reply to this comment >
  3. cheri says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm

    This is gorgeous Tricia, you make this process sound so easy. I made a braided loaf once and though it turned out pretty good, but I had no idea what I was doing. Love that you stuffed it with goodies.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 16, 2014 at 12:19 am

      The goodies are so tasty Cheri – thanks for stopping by!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    December 12, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    That’s so pretty – it looks like you spent hours and hours making it. Now that I realize I can be a hero if I make it, I thank you in advance. 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 16, 2014 at 12:20 am

      Thanks Maureen – hope you enjoy it and Merry Christmas!

      reply to this comment >
  5. Liz says

    December 11, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Boy, does this sound amazing, Tricia! I’d do a little extra treadmill time for a second and third slice 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:22 pm

      Absolutely Liz – it’s so worth it!

      reply to this comment >
  6. michael says

    December 11, 2014 at 8:05 am

    wow, the walnut sweet bread loaf looks delicious! The filling is perfect, my wife uses raisins instead of the cranberries as our grandchildren will not eat cranberries. She also leaves out the rum when we know they are going to visit.
    We are baking and shopping together but I am better at wrapping so I volunteer to do all the wrapping! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

    Love your tree Tricia!
    Michael 🙂
    http://instagram.com/michaelswoodcraft

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:23 pm

      Raisins would be great Michael – and the rum cooks out but probably not a good idea if sharing with kids. My daughter is my favorite gift wrapper – she is amazing – but glad you can help! Thanks for the anniversary wishes 🙂 Thanks so much!

      reply to this comment >
  7. Becky Green says

    December 11, 2014 at 7:10 am

    OH MY! This bread looks HEAVENLY! I JUST finished making my Christmas Cards today & they’ll go out in the mail tomorrow! Next, is doing a little cleaning & then decorating! I’m slow this year. My helper is away at College! 🙁 But, she’ll soon be home! Thinking of what to make for Christmas morning breakfast….this JUST MIGHT be the bread to have! THANKS TRICIA!!!!!!!! 😛

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:25 pm

      So many things we want to do – and so little time. Glad your daughter will be home soon – enjoy a blessed Christmas Becky!

      reply to this comment >
  8. [email protected] n Dishes says

    December 11, 2014 at 4:25 am

    This is so pretty Tricia, I don’t know how it made it through the photo shoot! Love the fruity surprise on the inside!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:24 pm

      The fruit and nuts are so tasty Kari! Happy baking 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  9. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    December 11, 2014 at 2:55 am

    The braided loaf looks gorgeous, Tricia. And your X’mas tree looks so lovely!
    Have a wonderful baking season!
    Angie

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks Angie – I wish I could bake more – but then I’d have to eat more – what to do … what to do 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  10. Monica says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    Tricia, I’m swooning here as you describe this bread. It is most definitely impressive and to be reserved as gifts to the truly-special! : ) I love all the treasures tucked into it. I’d be willing to forego lunch altogether and just have this as a meal. It is divine.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 10, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      It is a wonderful treat Monica – I know you would love it and yes it is way better than lunch! Merry Christmas

      reply to this comment >
  11. sue|theviewfromgreatisland says

    December 10, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    This is gorgeous bread, I’ve always wanted to braid dough! This looks like the perfect breakfast toast to me…

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 10, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      I’m afraid my braiding wasn’t perfect but it didn’t affect the taste! Yummy

      reply to this comment >
  12. Betty says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:25 am

    That loaf is gorgeous, and that filling sounds perfect! You look like you’re all ready for Christmas. My tree isn’t even up yet- I’d better get busy!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 10, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks Betty! Hope you enjoy a nice long Christmas break! Where is our snow???

      reply to this comment >

Trackbacks

  1. Mallorca Bread: Puerto Rican Sweet Bread Rolls | The Noshery says:
    January 10, 2018 at 10:10 am

    […] Cranberry Orange Walnut Sweet Bread […]

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