Cranberry Walnut Bread

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 8/15/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic
Cranberry Walnut Bread
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

This Cranberry Walnut Bread recipe is the perfect balance of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of citrus from fresh orange zest. Baked in just 60 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy bread you can enjoy for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings. Each slice delivers 2g of fiber and only 136 calories, making it a heart healthy bread that’s also a great option for a diabetic friendly bread recipe. Whole wheat flour boosts nutrients, while canola oil keeps it moist without excess saturated fat. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch and heart-healthy fats, while the cranberries bring natural sweetness and antioxidants. Whether served warm from the oven or the next day, this walnut cranberry bread is as beautiful as it is delicious.

If you love this recipe, explore more of our heart healthy dessert recipes for more sweet inspiration. Hosting Thanksgiving or a festive holiday dinner? Browse our delicious healthy side dish recipes to round out your menu. Your guests and your heart will thank you!

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
16
Calories
136

What Makes This Cranberry Nut Bread Healthy (and So Good)

A No-Fail, Healthy Bread Recipe with Fresh Cranberries

This cranberry and walnut bread is light, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and richness, while orange juice brings a citrusy brightness that lifts the tartness of the cranberries. The chopped walnuts add crunch and healthy fats, helping you feel fuller longer. It’s one of those healthy bread recipes that doesn’t taste like a compromise — and it works well for people looking for diabetic friendly bread options too, with only 21g of carbs and 2g fiber per slice. No fancy ingredients, just a few pantry basics and fresh or frozen cranberries. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy bread recipe to serve with tea, brunch, or Thanksgiving leftovers, this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen ones straight from the freezer — no need to thaw.

Try pecans or skip the nuts entirely to lower the fat.

Use a sugar substitute that measures 1:1, or reduce by a few tablespoons for a more tart bite.

Apple cider works well for a sweeter variation.

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of both flours. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

Key Health Highlights

  • Made with whole wheat flour for more fiber and nutrients
  • Heart-healthy fats from chopped walnuts
  • Lower in added sugar than most cranberry nut bread recipes
  • Diabetic friendly bread recipe with 21g carbs and 2g fiber per slice
  • A lighter option for cranberry desserts with fresh cranberries

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers and thaw as needed.
  • This cranberry and nut bread tastes even better the next day, after the flavors settle.
  • Toast a slice and top with a swipe of almond butter for a quick breakfast.
  • It also makes a great sweet-but-not-too-sweet side for holiday meals.

FAQs About Walnut Cranberry Bread

Yes. This recipe for cranberry walnut bread uses whole wheat flour, canola oil, and walnuts — all heart-healthy ingredients. With 2 grams of fiber and just 4 grams of fat per slice, it's a smart choice if you’re looking for a healthier twist on traditional cranberry desserts.

Overmixing the batter is the most common issue — it can lead to a dense or gummy loaf. Also, using too many cranberries or not chopping them can cause soggy spots. Make sure your loaf pan is properly greased, and check for doneness with a toothpick after 50 minutes.

You can swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds, or skip the nuts entirely for a cranberry-only version. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice, or stir in a few dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf. Some people love using applesauce in place of the oil for an even lower-fat version of this cranberry nut bread recipe.

Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice the loaf and wrap each piece individually.

It’s delicious as-is, but also great toasted with low fat or fat free cream cheese or nut butter. Serve it with coffee or tea for breakfast, or as a side with roasted turkey or soup. It’s also a crowd-pleaser on holiday brunch boards.

Substitute the flours with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep the rest of the recipe the same — just double-check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Healthy Cranberry Desserts for Thanksgiving and Beyond

If you’re looking for cranberry desserts for Thanksgiving that go beyond pie, this cranberry nut bread is a festive and simple place to start. It uses whole ingredients and natural fruit sweetness which is perfect for guests who prefer lighter holiday treats. Other ideas? Try one of these easy, cranberry desserts with fresh cranberries and pantry staples:

Cranberry Chocolate Pudding
Linzer Cookies
Apple Crisp

These cranberry recipes are simple to make, easy to prep ahead, and fit right in with a healthy holiday spread.

Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

Ingredients

Recipe yields 16 servings

Helpful How-To Video

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Lightly coat a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium bowl, mix together flours, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Stir in orange juice, orange zest, oil and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan.

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 slice

136
Calories
4
g
Fat
11
mg
Cholesterol
148
mg
Sodium
21
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
2
g
Protein

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