Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and I am loving the fall flavors. This beautiful month of November is the golden crescendo of autumn when the fall flavors are at their fullest and the crisp air has settled into the shadows of tall trees and red brick houses. These last few weeks of the golden season are a time of incredible creativity and inspiration for me. I am a sponge, soaking up all the color, light, and beauty of this month! In my creativity, I had to make a loaf that reflected all the most delicious flavors of my favorite holiday: meet my Thanksgiving inspired cranberry walnut sourdough loaf.

There is something about sourdough in the autumn that is so special. Warm bread with a savory soup or stew is what my soul wants this time of year. The act of nurturing my starter and dough helps me to settle and nest during this busy season. This cranberry walnut sourdough is close to perfection; it is incredibly soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Last night I enjoyed a slice with a warming soup and this morning I am serving it with butter for breakfast. I also think this loaf would be a delightful addition to Thanksgiving dinner for obvious reasons!

A note on sourdough starter: be sure you have an active, bubbly starter before you bake! You can read more about how to achieve this below

Sourdough Starter Tips

Can I use rye or freshly ground flour in this recipe?

Using rye or freshly ground flour is not necessary for cranberry walnut sourdough, but I would highly recommend it. These flours gives depth and nutty flavor to an otherwise simple loaf. I also think they add a rustic color and essence to my loaves. Only use freshly ground or rye if you are experienced working with these kinds of flours as they can change the texture of your loaf! To learn more about freshly ground flour, check out this blog I wrote on the subject!

Sample Baker’s Schedule:

This is the schedule that I typically use when baking, and this cranberry walnut sourdough in particular. I love this schedule because it allows me time in the evening during the bulk ferment to leave the house or do other activities. Some days I begin earlier or later, but this is a great sample schedule to follow if you are having trouble planning bake days. Check out this blog for more sourdough schedules!

The day before: 

2:30 pm: measure, mix, and autolyse your dough

3pm: add salt, cranberries, and walnuts to your loaf

3:30-4:30: stretch and fold every 15 minutes

4:30-6:30 stretch and fold every 30 minutes 

6:30-10 bulk ferment dough 

10: turn out dough to preshape and rest 

10:20 shape dough, place in banneton, and store in refrigerator overnight

Bake Day:

7:30am: preheat oven and baker 

8am: score and bake loaves

8:25am: remove lids

8:35am: remove bread from oven

Cranberry Walnut Sourdough Bread

Print Recipe

Course Sourdough

Cuisine Sourdough

Keyword fermentation, Sourdough Bread

Servings 2 loaves

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• 300 g Active rye sourdough starter
• 600 g warm water
• 700 g organic unbleached bread flour
• 100 g whole wheat flour
• 100 g rye flour
• 20 g salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup cranberries

Instructions

The Day before Baking:

• Measure and sift flour into a large bowl
• Measure and add starter and water into a separate bowl and mix until starter mostly dissolves into water
• Pour the mixture into the large flour bowl and mix for about 20 seconds
• When the flour is mostly incorporated with the water, cover and rest for 30 minutes (this is the autolyse)
• Add salt to the dough and use your hands to incorporate all the ingredients by kneading. To keep dough from sticking, keep your hands wet when kneading, stretching, and folding.
• Gently fold cranberries and walnuts into the dough
• Cover your dough with a moist towel (or clean shower cap)
• For the next hour, stretch and fold your dough every 15 minutes
• For the following two hours, stretch and fold your dough every 30 minutes
• After the stretch and folds are done, cover and allow to bulk ferment for 4 hours or until doubled in size
• Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and pre-shape into 1 medium ball (or two small ones) Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes
• Shape into two loaves and transfer into a floured banneton or colander lined with a floured tea towel
• Cover and place in the fridge for 8-10 hours

Bake Day

• Place your baker and lid in a cold oven
• Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F for about 30 minutes
• When you are ready to bake, gently turn your dough out, seam side down, onto baking paper
• Score your dough as you like and using the baking paper, lift the dough into the preheated baker and cover with the lid. Place inside the oven
• Bake covered loaf in the oven for 25 minutes
• Remove lids after 25 minutes, turn your oven down to 475 and allow to bake for another 10 minutes or until the loaves reach the color you like. I like to strive for a dark caramel but try not to burn the ears!
• Pull out your loaf once it reaches your desired color and allow to cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing

I hope you enjoyed this delicious loaf as much as I did. If you did try the recipe, I would love to hear more from you in the comments!

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