Description
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is a flavorful, rustic loaf that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of dried cranberries and raisins, complemented by crunchy walnuts. Slow-fermented for a tender crumb and baked in a preheated Dutch oven, this bread boasts a crisp crust and chewy texture, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted optional)
For Preparation and Baking
- Extra flour for dusting
- Cornmeal or semolina for base (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and instant yeast until evenly distributed.
- Add water and form dough: Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a spoon or spatula until a sticky and shaggy dough forms.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are well incorporated without overworking the dough.
- First fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours to develop flavor and texture.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Turn out the dough and gently shape it into a round ball without deflating it excessively.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough seam-side down into a floured bowl or proofing basket. Cover and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Dutch oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat thoroughly.
- Score the dough: Carefully turn out the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake covered: Transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam for a crispy crust.
- Bake uncovered and cool: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing to set the crumb.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts before adding to the dough.
- Using a proofing basket helps maintain the shape during the second rise, but a floured bowl works as well.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy inside.
- Cornmeal or semolina can be sprinkled at the bottom of the Dutch oven or baking vessel to prevent sticking.
- This slow fermentation can be adjusted by refrigerating the dough for longer flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: artisan bread, cinnamon bread, cranberry bread, raisin bread, walnut bread, homemade bread, slow-rise bread, Dutch oven bread
