Suppose you’ve ever wandered through the bakery section at Costco. In that case, you’ve likely come across their cranberry walnut bread—a crusty artisan-style loaf that’s slightly sweet, delightfully nutty, and packed with juicy cranberries. It’s perfect for breakfast with a pat of butter, alongside cheese and wine for a charcuterie board, or toasted with a smear of cream cheese.
But what if you could recreate this delicious loaf at home?
In this article, we’ll walk you through a Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe that captures the same flavors and textures you know and love—chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and filled with tart-sweet cranberries and toasted walnuts. Plus, we’ll include baking tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you master this fan-favorite bread.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Bread
- Bakery-quality at home
- No kneading required
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy
This homemade version is inspired by the original Costco cranberry walnut bread, but made easier for home bakers using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a rustic-style bread that uses basic bread ingredients and a few flavorful additions:
- 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
- Cornmeal or extra flour for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough (No Kneading Needed)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
Optional: Stir in honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweeter loaf.
Add the cranberries and chopped walnuts. Mix gently to distribute them throughout the dough. The dough will be sticky and loose—this is normal!
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This long ferment helps develop flavor and texture.
2. Shape the Dough
After the rise, the dough should be puffy and bubbly. Turn it out onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a ball. Don’t knead it—just fold it over a few times to create surface tension.
Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rest for 30 to 45 minutes while your oven preheats.
3. Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside while it preheats—this ensures a crispy, golden crust like you get at Costco.
4. Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Use the parchment paper to transfer the dough into the pot. Slash the top with a sharp knife or lame if desired (this helps with rise).
Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove the bread and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this helps set the crumb and prevents it from becoming gummy inside.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Walnut Bread
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture, though all-purpose flour works in a pinch.
- Toast your walnuts before mixing in to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Hydrate your cranberries by soaking them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes—this keeps them juicy after baking.
- Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey or even a sprinkle of sugar in the dough.
Variations to Try
Make this Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe your own with these fun ideas:
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist (cranberry-orange is a classic pairing).
- Swap in pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Make it heartier by adding rolled oats or sunflower seeds to the dough.
- Turn it into rolls by dividing the dough into smaller balls and baking in a muffin tin or on a sheet.
How to Store and Freeze
- Room Temperature: Wrap in a kitchen towel or store in a paper bag for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Slice the bread and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Toast slices straight from the freezer!
How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Bread
This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty serving ideas:
- Toasted with butter or cream cheese
- Grilled cheese with brie or gouda
- French toast or bread pudding
- Alongside holiday meals (great with turkey or ham)
- Topped with nut butter and banana for breakfast
Whether you’re making brunch for guests or just want a special loaf to enjoy during the week, this homemade version of Costco’s cranberry walnut bread is sure to become a favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that chewy, crusty, fruit-and-nut bread from Costco, there’s no need to wait for your next grocery run. This Costco cranberry walnut bread recipe brings the bakery right into your own kitchen—no kneading required, and no preservatives either.
Baking this artisan-style bread is easier than it looks, and the payoff is huge. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll end up with a stunning loaf that rivals your favorite store-bought version.