There’s something special about a loaf of bread that combines the tartness of dried cranberries with the earthy nuttiness of wild rice. This bread machine recipe makes it effortless to achieve bakery-quality results at home.
The wild rice adds a delightful texture contrast while the cranberries provide bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. The bread machine handles all the hard work, from kneading to baking, with minimal effort on your part.
You’ll love how the soft, slightly sweet dough complements the chewy grains and juicy berries. The aroma as it bakes is simply irresistible, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, this bread brings a touch of gourmet to your everyday meals. The bread machine ensures consistent, foolproof results every time.
Ingredients for Cranberry Wild Rice Bread Machine
Soft dough meets chewy grains and tart berries for bakery-style results in your kitchen.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Flour 🌾 | 3 ¼ cups | All-purpose works in pinch |
| Water 💧 | 1 ¼ cups | Warm, about 80°F |
| Dried Cranberries 🍒 | ¾ cup | Sweetened or unsweetened |
| Cooked Wild Rice 🌾 | ¾ cup | Cooled completely before adding |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ¼ cup | Adjust for sweetness preference |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 3 tbsp | Melted and cooled |
| Active Dry Yeast 🍞 | 2 ¼ tsp | Or one packet, proofed if unsure |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 ½ tsp | Fine sea salt preferred |
| Honey 🍯 | 2 tbsp | Warm for easier mixing |
| Large Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | Room temperature preferred |
| Vanilla Extract 💧 | 1 tsp | Pure extract for best flavor |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | ½ tsp | Optional for warmth |
| Orange Zest 🍊 | 1 tsp | Brightens cranberry flavor |
The wild rice is non-negotiable here. Lundberg or 365 by Whole Foods brands cook up perfectly chewy—avoid instant or pre-cooked (it turns mushy). Dried cranberries should be plump, not shriveled; Ocean Spray or Trader Joe’s are reliable. Bread flour gives you that soft, stretchy crumb, but all-purpose works if that’s what you’ve got (just add an extra tablespoon of vital wheat gluten if you have it).
No wild rice? Brown rice or farro at the same quantity gives similar texture. Swap honey for maple syrup if you need a vegan version. Out of cranberries? Dried cherries or chopped apricots add the same sweet-tart pop. The butter can be coconut oil for dairy-free—use refined to avoid coconut flavor. Egg can be skipped, but the loaf will be slightly denser.
Store cooled loaf in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Wild rice keeps cooked in the fridge for 5 days—great for making extra. The dough can be mixed the night before and baked in the morning (just let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes first).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Baking: The bread machine does all the work—I just toss in the flour, cranberries, and wild rice then walk away.
- Sweet-Tart Magic: The cranberries add little bursts of tartness that balance the wild rice’s earthy bite perfectly.
- Holiday Mornings: I make a loaf the night before so we can wake up to fresh, cranberry-studded slices with breakfast.
- Stretches Further: Honestly, one loaf gives us toast for days, and the leftovers freeze like a dream.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Wild Rice Bread Machine Bread
Here’s the method I’ve perfected for this unique loaf with its sweet-tart berries and chewy grains.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Warm the Liquids
Begin by warming the 1.25 cups Water to about 80°F—it should feel warm but not hot to the touch. In your bread machine pan, add this warm water along with the 2 tbsp Honey, 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled), and 1 whole Large Egg (room temperature).
Sprinkle the 2.25 tsp Active Dry Yeast over the surface of this liquid mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This proofing step ensures your yeast is active and will properly leaven the bread.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Special Add-Ins
Add the 3.25 cups Bread Flour to the pan, creating a layer over the liquid ingredients. Then sprinkle the 1.5 tsp Salt, 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar, 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon, and 1 tsp Orange Zest evenly over the flour.
Finally, distribute the 0.75 cup Dried Cranberries and 0.75 cup Cooked Wild Rice (cooled completely) across the top. The wild rice adds a delightful nutty texture and chew, while the cranberries provide bursts of tart sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Select and Start the Bread Machine Cycle
Insert the pan into your bread machine and secure the lid. Select the “Sweet Bread” or “Basic Bread” setting on your machine, depending on the available options. If your machine has a crust color setting, choose “Medium” for the best balance between a tender crumb and a nicely browned exterior.
Set the loaf size to accommodate the full recipe, which will yield a standard 1.5-2 pound loaf. Start the machine and let it run through its cycle, which typically takes 3-4 hours depending on your specific model. The machine will handle the kneading, rising, and baking automatically.
Step 4: Check and Cool the Finished Loaf
When the cycle completes, carefully remove the pan from the machine using oven mitts. The loaf is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped. If it needs more time, return it to the machine for an additional 10-15 minutes on the bake-only setting.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour. This cooling period allows the crumb structure to set properly. Slicing too soon may result in a gummy texture. Once cooled, your loaf will reveal its beautiful texture with cranberries and wild rice scattered throughout.
Pro Tips For Making Cranberry Wild Rice Bread Machine
- Soak Cranberries First: Plump dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them—this keeps them from leeching moisture out of the dough. I learned this the hard way after getting dry, chewy bits in my first few loaves.
- Cool Wild Rice: Make sure your cooked wild rice is completely cooled before mixing it in, or it’ll throw off the bread machine’s timing and can give you a dense loaf.
- Check Dough Early: After 5 minutes of kneading, peek in and add a tablespoon of water or flour if the dough looks too dry or sticky—wild rice can mess with the hydration.
- Use Bread Flour: Skip the all-purpose and stick with bread flour for structure; the extra gluten helps support the wild rice and cranberries so the loaf doesn’t collapse.
Essential Equipment for cranberry wild rice bread machine
Bread Machine Essentials
A reliable bread machine is your foundation—I use my Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso which handles the kneading and baking perfectly. Look for models with a fruit/nut dispenser to automatically add cranberries at the right time, preventing them from breaking down during kneading. 🔥
Measuring Tools
Accuracy matters with this recipe, so I always use my OXO Good Grips measuring cups and spoons. The dried cranberries and wild rice need precise measurements to maintain the perfect texture balance. A kitchen scale helps for the flour too.
Mixing and Proofing
While the machine does most work, I recommend a digital instant-read thermometer to check your water temperature. The 80°F water is crucial for proofing the yeast properly. A small whisk helps distribute the yeast evenly over the liquid surface.
Specialty Add-Ins
For the wild rice, I cook it in my Instant Pot the day before and store it in the fridge. The rice needs to be completely cooled before adding to the machine. A fine-mesh strainer helps rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Cooling and Storage
Once baked, transfer your loaf to a wire cooling rack—I love the RSVP Endurance rack. A serrated bread knife from Mercer Culinary makes clean slices without crushing the loaf. Store leftovers in a gallon-size zip-top bag to maintain freshness. 💡
Optional Upgrades
A dough scraper helps remove every bit of dough from the pan. If you want to get fancy, a banneton basket can help shape the dough for a more artisanal look, though it’s not necessary for this machine-based recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked wild rice instead of cooked?
No, always use cooked and cooled wild rice. Uncooked rice won’t soften properly during the bread machine cycle, resulting in hard grains.
Why did my cranberries sink to the bottom?
This happens when they’re added too early. Toss them in 1 tablespoon flour before adding to help distribute them evenly.
What’s the best setting for this recipe?
Use the “Sweet Bread” or “Basic Bread” cycle with a medium crust setting. The cycle takes 3-4 hours total.
Can I make this without a bread machine?
Yes! Use the dough setting to knead, then shape and bake in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.
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