Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread Machine recipe to Try Now

This cranberry walnut bread machine recipe is an easy way to make a delicious bread at home with almost no effort. It’s a simple recipe that turns basic white bread into a soft, homemade bread that’s tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for everyday eating.

Bread Machine Cranberry Walnut Bread

Who doesn’t love Costco cranberry walnut bread? 

This rustic loaf gives you all the cozy fall and holiday vibes, and the best part is — you can achieve that effortlessly with this easy bread machine recipe, and it has quickly become one of our favorite bread maker recipes.

Just dump in your ingredients and let your bread maker work its magic to create a soft, flavorful loaf with a hint of sweetness.

This cranberry walnut bread recipe is adapted from our classic bread machine white bread, slightly altered to hold the add-ins — the tart cranberries and chopped walnuts — perfectly in every bite.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (180 ml) water, room temperature
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp (50 g) honey
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups (250 g) bread flour
• ½ cup (65 g) whole wheat flour 
• 1½ tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts

Ingredient Notes:

• Honey: Provides a hint of sweetness and helps the bread stay moist. You can substitute brown sugar if you prefer.
• Bread flour: Gives the bread structure and chewiness. This is the main flour for a soft and airy loaf. Though you can also use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have, bread flour gives a better, more reliable result in bread machine recipes.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and a rustic texture. You can replace with bread flour for a softer, lighter loaf. A small portion of whole grains helps make the loaf wholesome.
• Instant yeast: You can also use bread machine yeast if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid using regular yeast or active dry yeast for bread machine recipes, as they must be activated in warm water, which can alter the hydration and impact yeast growth.

Step by Step Instructions

Mastering walnut cranberry bread in your bread machine is easier than you think. Simply layer your ingredients, select the right cycle, and let your machine do all the work — from kneading to baking.

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Machine

Ensure the kneading blade (dough hook) is properly in place in your bread pan. This ensures the dough mixes evenly and incorporates the add-ins correctly.

Step 2: Add Ingredients in Order

Add the ingredients to the bread pan in this order for the best results:

1. Water 
2. Unsalted butter 
3. Honey 
4. Salt 
5. Bread flour 
6. Whole wheat flour 
7. Make a well on top of the flour and add Instant yeast. 

Tip: Do not add cranberries and walnuts yet; we’ll add them during the designated add-in beep

Step 3: Select Bread Machine Settings

• Cycle: Basic/White Bread
• Loaf Size: 1.5 lb (750 g)
• Crust: Medium

Press Start and let the machine begin the kneading process.

Step 4: Check Dough Consistency

3–5 minutes into kneading, briefly open the lid to assess the dough:

• It should form a cohesive, smooth dough ball
• Slightly tacky is fine, but it shouldn’t stick heavily to the pan
• Adjust by adding a teaspoon of flour if too wet or a little water if too dry

Only check during kneading. Once the machine starts proofing, do not open the lid.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Walnuts

When your bread machine beeps for fruit/nut additions (usually around 20–30 minutes into kneading), add:

• dried cranberries, chopped
• chopped walnuts

Tip: Toss the cranberries and walnuts in 1 teaspoon flour before adding. This keeps them from sinking and helps them distribute evenly through the loaf.

If your bread machine doesn’t beep:
Some machines don’t have a fruit/nut indicator. In that case, add the cranberries and walnuts during the second kneading cycle. Most bread machines knead once, pause for a few minutes, and then begin a second knead. Some machines run on a different time, so you rely on the sound of the motor to know when it starts kneading again.

When your machine starts the second kneading phase, simply pause the machine, add the floured add-ins, close the lid, and let the machine continue.

Only open the lid during kneading. Once the machine goes into the proofing/rising stage, do not open the lid.

Step 6: Let the Bread Machine Complete the Cycle

The machine will automatically knead, proof, and bake the bread. No additional steps needed.

Step 7: Remove and Cool

Using oven mitts, carefully lift the bread pan and invert it onto a cooling rack to release your loaf.

Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the crumb sets and the flavors of cranberries and walnuts fully develop.

Step 8: Enjoy

Slice your soft, lightly sweet cranberry walnut sandwich bread and enjoy it as breakfast toast, a holiday snack, or simply straight from the loaf.

This is a truly easy bread machine recipe that produces a delicious homemade bread without the hassle of kneading or proofing by hand.

Storing Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for 2–3 days. Because this bread contains honey and dried fruit, it stays soft naturally, but keeping it tightly sealed prevents it from drying out.

Refrigerator:
Refrigeration isn’t usually necessary, but if you live in a very humid or hot climate, you can refrigerate the loaf to prevent mold. Wrap it well to avoid the bread from becoming dry.

Freezer:
This bread freezes wonderfully.

• Slice the loaf first
• Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap
• Place in a freezer-safe zip bag

It stays fresh for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in a toaster.

Tip:
Lightly toasting leftover slices brings back the soft center and enhances the flavor of the cranberries and walnuts.

Best Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients:
  Fresh bread flour, whole wheat flour (if using), and dried cranberries make a noticeable difference in flavor. Avoid old or stale ingredients, especially whole wheat flour, which can develop a slightly bitter taste over time.
• Room-Temperature Liquids Matter:
  Always use room-temperature water. Cold liquid slows down the yeast, while very hot liquid can kill it. Lukewarm or room-temperature liquid works best unless your specific bread machine has a pre-heating feature.
• Honey Adds Both Sweetness and Moisture:
  Since this recipe uses honey, which is a natural humectant, your loaf stays soft longer. Measure honey accurately—too much can make the dough sticky and affect the rise.
• Check Dough Early:
  About 3–5 minutes into kneading, lift the lid and check the dough. It should form a smooth, soft ball that is slightly tacky but not wet.
  Too sticky → add a teaspoon of flour
  Too dry → add a teaspoon of water
  Small adjustments make a big difference.
• Add the Cranberries and Walnuts at the Right Time:
  If your machine beeps, add them during the fruit/nut cycle. If it doesn’t, add them during the second kneading phase. Tossing them in a little flour helps prevent sinking and ensures even distribution.
• Do Not Open the Lid During Rising:
  Only check the dough during kneading. Once the machine starts proofing, keep the lid closed—opening it at this stage can cause the loaf to deflate.
• Use Bread Machine Yeast or Instant Yeast:
  Both work well without proofing. Avoid active dry yeast for this recipe—it requires dissolving in water first, which can throw off the hydration and sometimes cause the loaf to sink.
• For a Softer Texture:
  You may replace part of the water with milk for a richer, softer loaf. Just keep the total liquid amount the same.
• Optional Flavor Boost:
  Add a little orange zest to the dough for a festive aroma.

Related Recipes:

1. Whole Wheat Bread in Bread Machine
2. Bread Machine White Bread recipe
3. Cinnamon Raisin Bread Machine Bread

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