Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf – A Cozy Artisan Bread Recipe

There’s something heartwarming about baking bread when the air turns crisp and cozy. This Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf captures that comfort perfectly, blending the tangy burst of cranberries with bright, fragrant orange zest. In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft this loaf from scratch using an active starter—making it a perfect addition to your collection of Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough. We’ll cover everything from ingredients and tools to foolproof baking tips, plus answers to common sourdough questions. If you love Cranberry Breads or are searching for a festive Sourdough Sweet Bread Recipe, you’ll find this a rewarding Sourdough Bread Recipe Using Starter to master.

A Winter Kitchen Memory with Cranberries and Citrus

The very first time I baked a Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread, the kitchen was glowing with holiday lights, and the scent of citrus filled every corner. It was one of those chilly evenings when time seems to slow down, and the simple joy of stirring ingredients together becomes its own kind of celebration. The combination of bright orange zest and ruby-red cranberries felt like winter in bread form—a creation as cheerful as it was comforting.

Over the years, that Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf became a seasonal tradition, emerging from the oven just as friends and family gathered around for hot drinks and laughter. Among the many Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough bakers experiment with, this one stands out for its festive colors and balance of sweet-tart flavor. It’s a loaf that tells a story even before the first slice—folding together memories of cool afternoons, the hum of conversation, and the rustic crackle of sourdough crust.

If you’ve ever explored Cranberry Breads, you know their appeal lies in how they awaken baked goods with bursts of fruitiness. Mix that with sourdough’s natural tang, and you get a loaf that’s both nostalgic and new—a recipe that feels like a hug straight from the oven. Whether you’re baking to share or simply chasing the aroma of fresh bread, this Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread will quickly become your own family favorite.

Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf

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• Total Time: 18 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

A cozy artisan bread combining tangy sourdough with bright citrus and tart cranberries. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings, this loaf features a crisp crust and soft, flavorful crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

100 g active sourdough starter

300 g warm filtered water

400 g bread flour

100 g whole wheat flour

9 g salt

100 g fresh or dried cranberries

1 tablespoon orange zest

40 g fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine starter and water in a bowl and stir to disperse the starter.

2. Add both flours and mix until no dry spots remain, then cover and autolyse for 30–45 minutes.

3. Sprinkle salt over the dough, pour in orange juice, and knead until incorporated.

4. Gently fold in orange zest and cranberries until evenly distributed.

5. Perform 3–4 sets of stretch and folds every 30–45 minutes during a 2–3 hour bulk fermentation.

6. Cover the dough and let it rise until 50–75% larger, about 4–6 hours at room temperature.

7. Shape the dough into a round or oval and place seam-side up in a floured banneton.

8. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for cold fermentation.

9. Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.

10. Turn dough out onto parchment, score the surface, and transfer to the hot Dutch oven.

11. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 20–25 minutes until deep golden.

12. Cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: bread
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 slices
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 200
• Fat: 2
• Saturated Fat: 0.5
• Unsaturated Fat: 1
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 5
• Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: cranberry, orange, sourdough, artisan bread, cranberry breads, sourdough sweet bread, sourdough bread recipe, holiday bread, diy sourdough, baking

Why Cranberry and Orange Are Perfect for Sourdough

Part of what makes this Sourdough Sweet Bread Recipe so delightful is its natural balance. The cranberries bring a pop of tartness that complements the subtle acidity of the sourdough base, while the orange zest and juice add a sunny sweetness that brightens the overall flavor. The result is a loaf that’s hearty but refreshing—a little bit rustic, a little bit elegant.

In many Types of Sourdough Bread, bakers rely on grains and seeds to create depth, but fruit and citrus transform the character entirely. The hydration from orange juice tenderizes the crumb, while cranberries add color and moisture, keeping each slice soft and flavorful for days. The sourdough fermentation gently enhances these notes, creating a balanced taste that evolves with every bite.

Whether served as breakfast toast, used for festive sandwiches, or enjoyed plain with butter, this combination proves why citrus and berries are timeless companions in Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough. It’s a reminder that even in the chill of winter, bright flavors can spark warmth and joy in every loaf.

Ingredients, Tools, and Preparation for Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread

The Ingredients List

Making a Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf from scratch begins with a thoughtfully balanced ingredient list that highlights sweet, tangy, and aromatic elements. Each component plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that signature citrusy aroma that defines festive Cranberry Breads within your collection of Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough. The natural complexity comes not from sugar but from time—allowing fermentation to deepen the taste while cranberries and orange zest add a bright finish.

Ingredient Notes:

• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries deliver a juicy burst, while dried ones offer a denser tartness.
• Orange Flavor: Fresh zest is best, but extract can be used if fresh fruit isn’t available.
• Starter Choice: For this Sourdough Bread Recipe Using Starter, keep it very active and bubbly.
• Sweetener: Adjust honey or sugar for a more Sourdough Sweet Bread Recipe style loaf.

Essential Tools and Prep Steps

Before diving into the mixing and folding process, assembling the right tools and understanding the prep timeline are crucial to mastering Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough. A few well-chosen items make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a frustrating one.

• Digital kitchen scale
• Mixing bowls
• Bench scraper
• Banneton or proofing basket
• Dutch oven
• Parchment paper
• Lame or sharp knife

Preparing Your Starter: Feed the starter 4–6 hours prior. If it floats in water, it’s ready. A healthy starter ensures lift and flavor in your Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf.

Prep Overview:

1. Mix water and starter; add flours; rest 30–45 minutes.
2. Stretch & fold every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours, adding fruit and zest after first fold.
3. Bulk ferment 4–6 hours until nearly doubled.
4. Shape and rest in a banneton.
5. Refrigerate overnight for flavor depth.
6. Score and bake until golden.

Timing Tip: Cooler kitchens need longer proofing; in warm kitchens, reduce times slightly. Consistency is key to a great crust and crumb.

Step-by-Step Method to Bake a Rustic Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf

Mixing, Folding, and Proofing

Now that your ingredients are ready and tools are in place, it’s time to transform them into a beautifully risen Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf. This process captures the magic of Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough—where simple movement and patience create texture and flavor.

1. Mixing the Dough: Combine water and starter, add flours, and let rest (autolyse) 30–45 minutes to build gluten for a light DIY Sourdough Bread Recipe.
2. Adding Salt, Citrus, and Fruit: Mix in salt, orange juice, zest, and cranberries gently to distribute color and taste.
3. Stretch and Fold: Every 30–45 minutes for 2–3 hours, stretch each corner over itself to strengthen gluten.
4. Proofing: Allow dough to increase 50–75% in size over 4–6 hours. Check readiness with a gentle poke—slow spring back means it’s perfect.

• Sticky dough? Wet or flour hands lightly, do not add excess flour.
• Dry dough? Mist lightly with water and fold gently.
• Slow rise? Extend time or place bowl in a slightly warmed oven (off) for reliable fermentation.

Scoring, Baking, and Cooling

This stage transforms your fermentation into a golden, rustic masterpiece. Aim for a loaf that’s crisp outside and tender within, with cranberries glistening through beautifully scored lines.

1. Shaping: Gently fold the dough into a round or oval; place seam-side up in a floured basket.
2. Cold Ferment: Refrigerate 8–12 hours to deepen flavor and make scoring easier.
3. Scoring and Baking: Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Score deeply, bake covered 20 minutes, uncover 20–25 minutes more until deep golden.
4. Check Doneness: Tap base for a hollow sound or measure 205°F inside.
5. Cooling: Rest loaf at least one hour on a rack to let crumb stabilize.
6. Serving: Enjoy with butter, orange marmalade, or cream cheese for a cozy morning treat.

Baker’s Insight: Mist dough before baking for an extra crisp crust, or brush cooled loaf with honey-orange glaze for shine and flavor.

FAQs and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes. Dried ones offer sweetness and chew—soak first in warm water or juice for 10 minutes to rehydrate before folding into your Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough dough.

What’s the ideal fermentation time? Around 4–6 hours at 75°F for bulk ferment. Refrigerate overnight for the best tang and structure in your Sourdough Bread Recipe Using Starter.

How can I make it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of honey or syrup. Or try subtle add-ins like cinnamon or white chocolate for a dessert-style Sourdough Sweet Bread Recipe.

Can I freeze Cranberry Breads? Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to three months. Reheat briefly before serving to revive the crust.

What other flavors work well for the holidays? Try fig-rosemary, cherry-almond, or lemon-poppyseed variations. These additions complement the warmth of Artisan Bread Recipes Sourdough beautifully.

Cozy Conclusion and Serving Ideas

Baking a Cranberry Orange Sourdough Loaf brings together craft, patience, and heart. From the citrus zest in the dough to that first fragrant slice, it’s the embodiment of seasonal comfort and homemade warmth.

Serve it toasted with butter or spread with cream cheese. A drizzle of honey or swipe of orange marmalade enhances every bite. Pair with spiced tea or cider for a perfect winter pairing.

More than a recipe, it’s an invitation to slow down, care for your starter, and share something truly crafted by hand. Use it as a springboard to try other Types of Sourdough Bread—each loaf a story of its own. Keep experimenting, baking, and filling your kitchen with joy through new Sourdough Sweet Bread Recipes all season long.