This cranberry pecan bread is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, baked to perfection in a Dutch oven. The result is a crusty exterior with a soft, flavorful interior, making it an excellent choice for any meal or occasion.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
The Allure of Cranberry Pecan Bread
Cranberry pecan bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of pecans. This rustic loaf is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its golden-brown crust and speckled interior.
When baked in a Dutch oven, the bread achieves a perfect crust that contrasts beautifully with its soft, chewy center. The combination of flavors makes it suitable for various occasions, whether served with a warm bowl of soup or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Ingredients That Shine
This bread requires a handful of simple ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to take center stage. All-purpose flour serves as the base, while dried cranberries and chopped pecans add texture and taste.
The simplicity of the ingredients means that anyone can whip up this loaf without needing specialized skills or equipment. The result is a rustic bread that feels homemade and hearty, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The Baking Process
The process of making cranberry pecan bread is straightforward yet rewarding. It begins with mixing the dry ingredients, followed by the addition of warm water to create a shaggy dough.
After folding in the cranberries and pecans, the dough is left to rise for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. This long fermentation time is key to achieving the bread’s unique taste and texture.
Perfecting the Crust
Preheating the Dutch oven is a crucial step in the baking process. This method ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops a crust that is both crispy and golden.
Once the dough is shaped and placed in the hot Dutch oven, it bakes covered for the first part of the cooking time. This traps steam, which helps create that desirable crust. After removing the lid, the loaf continues to bake until it reaches the perfect shade of brown.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry pecan bread is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed with a spread of butter or cream cheese. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful addition to any meal.
For a cozy breakfast, serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It also makes for an excellent snack, whether enjoyed plain or toasted.
A Cozy Kitchen Experience
Baking this bread is not just about the end product; it’s also about the experience. The warm aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes creates a comforting atmosphere, inviting everyone to gather around.
With flour dusting the counters and baking utensils scattered about, the scene is set for a delightful culinary experience. This bread not only nourishes the body but also brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to the home.
Easy Cranberry Pecan Bread Recipe
This Dutch oven bread features a blend of all-purpose flour, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans, creating a deliciously rustic loaf. The baking process takes about 1 hour and serves 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to combine.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in the cranberries and pecans until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles.
- Preheat Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside (you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal), cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12-18 hours (including rising time)
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g