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Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Pecan No-Knead Bread on a wooden cutting board

No-Knead Cranberry Orange Pecan Bread

A delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors, this no-knead bread features cranberries, pecans, and fresh orange zest for a warm, inviting aroma.
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Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 205
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached) Provides structure and softness.
  • 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt Enhances flavors and contrasts sweetness.
  • 1/2 tsp yeast (instant or rapid-rise preferred) Helps the dough rise.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries Adds a pop of flavor and sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped) Adds a rich, crispy texture.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Infuses dough with citrus flavor.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups water (cool) Binds ingredients and keeps dough moist.

Method
 

Preparing the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, instant yeast, and orange zest until well combined.
  2. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
  3. Pour in the cool water and mix using a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
Baking the Bread
  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a cast iron pot with its lid into the oven to heat for about 30 minutes.
  2. Once the dough has rested, turn it out onto a heavily floured surface and shape it gently into a ball.
  3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap again and let it rest while your pot is heating.
  4. Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven and drop in the shaped dough.
  5. Cover the pot with its lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  7. Remove the bread from the pot and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Customize this recipe by substituting nuts or dried fruits. For quicker preparation, reduce resting time to at least 4 hours. Use a heavy-lidded oven-safe pot if no cast iron pot is available.