If you’re craving a bread that perfectly balances sweet and tart with a rustic charm, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe. This delightful loaf marries the chewy goodness of whole wheat with bursts of dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips, creating a visual and flavor-packed masterpiece that’s as comforting as it is memorable. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or enjoying it as a special breakfast treat, this artisan bread steals the show with its beautiful crust and soft, flavorful crumb inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe to create an irresistible loaf. Each component plays a vital role, bringing texture, taste, and that beautiful golden color you see in artisan bread.
- White whole wheat flour: Adds wholesome nutrition and a slightly nutty flavor while keeping the bread soft.
- Unbleached flour: Provides structure and a light, airy crumb, balancing the denser whole wheat flour.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- Instant dry yeast: The powerhouse that makes this bread rise beautifully without a fuss.
- Hot water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough texture.
- Dried cranberries: Bring vibrant tartness and a chewy burst in every bite.
- White chocolate chips: Melt into creamy pockets of sweetness that contrast deliciously with the cranberries.
How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients and Start the Dough
Begin by mixing all your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Use a spoon or your hand to combine the flours, salt, and yeast evenly. Then pour in the hot water and stir just until everything is moistened — there’s no need for overworking here! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise Slowly
This part is all about patience and magic. Let the covered dough rest for at least 12 hours at room temperature. This long, slow rise develops flavor and gives the dough its wonderful airy texture. Trust the process — your patience pays off in every bite.
Step 3: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate
Once your dough is bubbly and puffed up, turn it out onto a generously floured surface. Gently knead in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The key here is to be gentle — you want to keep that lovely airiness while folding in the mix-ins.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Shape your dough by pulling in the sides and flipping it over to create a round, taut loaf. Cover it again with your sprayed plastic wrap and let it rise for another 45 minutes or until it nearly doubles. This second rise gives the bread its signature poof and softness.
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven and Dutch Oven
While your dough is rising, heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a ceramic Dutch oven with its lid inside to preheat as well. This step is crucial for achieving the artisan-style crust — the hot Dutch oven traps steam and creates a golden, crunchy shell.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your dough into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake for 25 to 27 minutes until the crust develops a gorgeous golden brown color. The steam inside the pot seals in moisture, giving you tender bread inside and a delightful crisp crust outside.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool. Let it rest at least 20 minutes before slicing, so it finishes setting and you get clean, beautiful slices packed with those irresistible bits of cranberry and white chocolate.
How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
One of my favorite ways to dress up this artisan bread is with a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese to complement the sweetness of white chocolate and tart cranberries. For extra flair, sprinkle a little extra dried cranberry or even a drizzle of honey on top.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa for a cozy snack. If you’re serving it alongside a meal, think fresh fruit, creamy soups, or a mild cheese plate to balance those flavorful notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch or gift, slice the bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board accented with whole cranberries and white chocolate chunks. You can also lightly toast slices, then top with ricotta and a drizzle of maple syrup for an elevated treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bread left, wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the loaf soft while preventing it from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
To keep the Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe fresh for longer, slice and freeze individual pieces in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy some, just pop a slice in the toaster or let it thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster or on a skillet for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp. This helps revive the bread’s crust and brings back that just-baked feeling with melted white chocolate and a tangy cranberry surprise.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular flour for the white whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead if you don’t have white whole wheat. Just remember that whole wheat adds a bit more flavor and nutrition, so the taste might be slightly sweeter and nuttier with the original mix.
Do I need a Dutch oven to bake this bread?
A Dutch oven is highly recommended because it traps steam, giving your bread a beautiful crust and soft inside. If you don’t have one, a heavy pot with a lid or baking on a pizza stone with a pan of water may also help mimic those results.
How long will this bread stay fresh?
Freshly baked, this artisan bread tastes best within two days at room temperature. After that, it can start to dry out, so storing it properly or freezing leftovers is the way to go.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or chopped almonds make great additions, and other dried fruits like apricots or raisins can add unique flavors. Just fold them in during the kneading step for an even distribution.
Is this bread sweet or savory?
This bread falls perfectly into the sweet category, thanks to the dried cranberries and white chocolate. However, it’s not overpoweringly sweet and pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe, you’ll want to bake it again and again. It’s the kind of bread that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a wonderful way to bake a stunning bread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Go ahead and give it a go—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread is a delightful homemade loaf featuring a perfect balance of tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips. Made with a blend of white whole wheat and unbleached flour, this bread undergoes a slow fermentation process that enhances its flavor and texture, resulting in a crusty and golden artisan bread that is soft and slightly sweet on the inside. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a unique addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1¼ teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, unbleached flour, sea salt, and instant dry yeast. Stir together gently by hand to mix evenly.
- Add Water and Mix: Pour in the hot water and mix with your hand or a spoon until all the flour is moistened and a sticky dough forms. Cover the entire bowl with plastic wrap generously coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- First Rise (Fermentation): Let the dough sit undisturbed for at least 12 hours at room temperature, allowing it to ferment and develop flavor and texture.
- Incorporate Add-ins and Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips over the dough, then gently knead just enough to evenly incorporate the add-ins without deflating the dough too much. Shape the dough by pulling the sides in and flipping the loaf over.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the dough again with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and let it rise for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size, indicating it’s ready to bake.
- Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a ceramic Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven to heat up thoroughly, creating the perfect baking environment for artisan bread.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the risen dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 25 to 27 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.
Notes
- Make sure the water is hot but not boiling to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not over-knead the dough after adding cranberries and chocolate chips to keep the bread light and airy.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid can be used to mimic the steam effect needed for artisan crust.
- The long fermentation (12 hours) is key to developing deep flavor and chewy texture.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- For best results, use fresh dried cranberries and high-quality white chocolate chips.
