Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe: No-Knead Nut Delight

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Costco shoppers, bread lovers, and baking enthusiasts, unite! We’re taking a deep dive into the world of baking, specifically focusing on the beloved Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe. This no-knead nut delight has become a staple for many, especially during the holiday season.

But what if you could recreate this scrumptious loaf in your own kitchen? Today, we’re going to guide you through the process, giving you insider tips and tricks to achieve the perfect homemade version of this Costco favorite. Let’s get started!

Why the Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe?

Now, you might be asking yourself, why this particular bread? Well, there’s a reason the Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe has become a crowd favorite, especially during the holiday season. The crunchy walnuts, the tart dried cranberries, and the hint of orange zest all meld together to create a delicious bread that’s just as perfect for your morning toast as it is for your chicken salad sandwich. And the best part? This no-knead nut delight requires little effort to make at home!

Understanding the Basics of Bread Baking

If you’re attempting bread baking for the first time, it can seem a bit intimidating. There are different yeasts to choose from (active dry yeast, instant yeast, yeast substitutes), different types of flours (all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour), and different steps to follow. But not to worry, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro bread baker in no time.

Preparing the Dough

Preparing the bread dough is a crucial step in the Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe. You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then you’ll add warm water to activate the yeast. Remember, the water should be warm, not hot.

Hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it. So, room temperature is your friend here. Once the yeast is bubbly and active, you’ll combine it with the flour mixture, ensuring no flour streaks remain.

Letting the Dough Rise

After your dough is mixed, it’s time to let it rise. This is when the magic happens. As the dough rises, it develops those perfect air pockets that give artisan breads their airy delicious texture. Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature.

Patience is key here. Don’t rush this process; good bread takes time.

Shaping and Scoring the Loaf

Once your dough has doubled in size, you’ll shape it into a loaf on a floured surface. A dough scraper can be a handy tool during this process. Scoring the top of the dough with a sharp knife allows it to expand during baking, preventing it from splitting at the sides. It also gives your loaf of bread that beautiful artisan look.

Bake Your Loaf

Proper oven temperature is crucial for baking the perfect bread. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F, with a half hour of heating before you put your loaf in.

Now, it’s time for your loaf to bake. You’ll know your bread is done when the top of the loaf is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads between 190-200 degrees F.

Once baked, let your loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the loaf to finish its baking process and ensures the perfect texture.

Serving Your Homemade Cranberry Walnut Bread

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your homemade Costco cranberry walnut bread is ready to serve. Slice it for the best toast you’ve ever had, spread it with honey butter, a butter substitute or cream cheese, or use it as the base for a hearty sandwich.

Final Thoughts

Making your own homemade version of the Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe might take a little effort, but the results are well worth it. Not only will you have a delicious loaf of bread to enjoy, but you’ll also gain a sense of satisfaction knowing you made it yourself.

So, roll up those sleeves, dust off that apron and get baking. Who knows, this might just become your new favorite way to bake bread!

Delicious Homemade Costco-Style Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

Yield:
2 loaves

Prep Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

This is a homemade recipe for Costco-Style Cranberry Walnut Bread. It’s perfect for breakfast with a layer of cream cheese or butter, or as an accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add honey and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. This process will take about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes if using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, combine the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and honey in a bowl.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts.
8. Roll out each part into a rectangle. Spread half of the cranberry-walnut mixture over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Roll up each rectangle tightly, starting from the short end. Pinch the seams to seal.
10. Place each loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another hour, or until they have doubled in size.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Bake the loaves for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Costco-style Cranberry Walnut Bread!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24

Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 200Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 36gNet Carbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 5g