Cozy Country Kitchen Cranberry Walnut Loaf (Warm, Rustic & Perfect for Every Season!)

Thank you so much for being here today — truly, it warms my heart. I’m beyond excited to share this cozy, old-fashioned Country Kitchen Cranberry Walnut Loaf, a recipe that feels like it came straight out of my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook. It’s sweet, rustic, tender, and bursting with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts… and the aroma that fills your kitchen? Oh my. Pure comfort.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This Country Kitchen Cranberry Walnut Loaf is the kind of recipe that makes you slow down — even for a moment — and appreciate the simple beauty of homemade baking. Think warm cinnamon, bright ruby cranberries, toasty walnuts, and a moist, soft crumb. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, gifting, brunches, or… let’s be honest… eating warm straight out of the pan.

Why You’ll Love This Loaf

• Incredibly moist with the perfect crumb
• Sweet but not overly sweet
• Tart berries + crunchy nuts = perfect contrast
• Done in under an hour
• Freezer-friendly
• Smells like a country kitchen on Christmas morning
• Great as breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack

What It Tastes Like

The loaf has a soft, pillowy crumb with bursts of juicy cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The cinnamon warms everything up, giving each slice that “fresh from the country bakery” flavor.

Seasonal & Nutritional Highlights

• Cranberries are rich in vitamin C
• Walnuts provide healthy fats and protein
• Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar
• The loaf is perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want something cozy and homemade

Ingredients (Full List)

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Add-Ins

• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Optional but lovely:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
• Zest of 1 orange (highly recommended!)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Loaf pan (9×5)
• Spatula
• Oven

Substitutions & Variations

• Milk: Swap for almond, oat, or coconut milk.
• Flour: Use half whole wheat for a heartier loaf.
• Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
• Cranberries: Swap for blueberries, raspberries, or cherries.
• Walnuts: Replace with pecans or almonds.
• Add citrus: Add orange zest for a bakery-style upgrade.

How to Make the Country Kitchen Cranberry Walnut Loaf

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This loaf comes together faster than you’d think. The batter is simple, rustic, and forgiving — just old-fashioned home baking at its best.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon

This will make your loaf beautifully fluffy and evenly flavored.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Milk
• Eggs
• (Optional) Vanilla

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
Stir gently until just combined.
Do not overmix — lumps are okay!

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries & Walnuts

Add cranberries and chopped walnuts.
Fold gently with a spatula.

Pro tip: If using frozen cranberries, toss them in 1 teaspoon of flour to prevent color bleeding.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into your loaf pan.
Smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Let cool 15 minutes before slicing.
Or slice warm — I won’t judge.

What to Serve With This Loaf

This loaf is heavenly on its own, but here are delicious pairing ideas:

• Warm with butter or cinnamon honey
• Toasted and drizzled with maple syrup
• With cream cheese spread
• As part of a brunch board
• With coffee, tea, or apple cider

Pair it with these Poulef favorites:

• Protein Cookie Dough

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the loaf tender.
• Use room-temperature eggs for a higher rise.
• Add orange zest for extra depth.
• Let cranberries stay whole for juicy bursts.
• Use fresh baking powder — it matters!

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: 3 days in airtight container
• Fridge: Up to 6 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: 10 seconds in microwave or lightly toast

General Information

This loaf has roots in rustic American farmhouse baking — simple, hearty, and made with what’s on hand. Cranberries make it perfect for holiday mornings, while walnuts add that old-fashioned country charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?

Yes — use ¾ cup and reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon.

2. Can I make this loaf dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use almond or oat milk.

3. Can I add glaze?

Yes! A simple orange glaze is incredible.

4. Can I use brown sugar?

Yes — it makes the loaf deeper and richer.

5. Why did my loaf sink?

It was underbaked or the batter was overmixed.

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Conclusion

This Country Kitchen Cranberry Walnut Loaf is warm, nostalgic, and full of love — the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. If you enjoyed this cozy bake, you’ll also love:

• Basic Brioche Bread

Thank you for visiting today — your presence in this kitchen means more than you know. ❤️

Interactive Elements

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear!
Share your loaf photos on Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Tag me so I can cheer you on!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice — 10 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Carbs	28g
Sugar	10g
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	1g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

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