Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

Featured in: Savory Bites

This no-knead focaccia blends tart cranberries with fragrant orange zest for a lively flavor profile. The dough rests slowly, developing a tender, airy crumb beneath a golden, crisp crust. Simple ingredients combined with a long fermentation create a budget-friendly, easy-to-make bread ideal for breakfasts or brunch. The subtle sweetness from sugar balances the citrus and berry notes, while olive oil adds richness and moisture. Garnish with extra olive oil and enjoy fresh or toasted.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT
Golden-crusted Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright red cranberries and sweet orange zest. Save
Golden-crusted Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright red cranberries and sweet orange zest. | cravebop.com

A vibrant, aromatic focaccia featuring juicy cranberries and zesty orange, with a crisp crust and pillowy interior. Budget-friendly, easy, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Focaccia was always a weekend treat in my home, and the cranberry-orange twist brightens up mornings during colder months. The no-knead dough method means I can prep it before bed and have a delicious, homemade bread fresh and warm by breakfast.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 3 cups (375 g)
  • Salt: 1 ¼ teaspoons
  • Instant yeast: 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon for dough, 2 tablespoons for topping
  • Lukewarm water: 1 ¼ cups (300 ml)
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons for dough, 1 tablespoon for pan and topping
  • Cranberries: 1 cup (100 g), fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)
  • Orange zest: Zest of 1 large orange

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
Stir In Liquids:
Add water and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Do not knead.
First Rise:
Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or clean towel. Let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours, until bubbly and doubled in size.
Prepare Pan:
Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan. Scrape dough into pan and gently stretch to fit.
Second Rise:
Cover and let rest for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Shape & Top:
With oiled fingers, press dimples all over the dough. Scatter cranberries evenly over the top, gently pressing some in.
Add Zest & Sugar:
Sprinkle with orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
Bake:
Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice & Serve:
Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
A close-up of a rustic, bubbly Cranberry Orange Focaccia ready to slice and enjoy as a treat. Save
A close-up of a rustic, bubbly Cranberry Orange Focaccia ready to slice and enjoy as a treat. | cravebop.com

My family loves gathering in the kitchen as the aroma of citrus and bread fills the house, especially in winter. Slicing into the warm focaccia together is a simple, memorable joy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cranberry orange focaccia with whipped honey butter, mascarpone, or a drizzle of warm honey for a special touch. It pairs perfectly with coffee or hot tea.

Ingredient Swaps

You can substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen ones; soak in warm water for a few minutes before using. Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Each slice offers approximately 200 calories, 6 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Fluffy, dimpled Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia, baked to perfection with a deliciously crisp bottom. Save
Fluffy, dimpled Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia, baked to perfection with a deliciously crisp bottom. | cravebop.com

Enjoy every bite of this fragrant focaccia as a wonderful breakfast or cozy afternoon treat. Its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to brighten any day.

Recipe Guide

How long should I let the dough rest?

Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and texture.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, substitute with ⅔ cup dried cranberries soaked in warm water for 5 minutes, then drained, to maintain moisture and softness.

What is the best way to achieve a crispy crust?

Drizzling olive oil on the dough before baking and baking at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) helps develop a golden, crisp crust.

Is kneading necessary for this bread?

No kneading is required. Stir the ingredients to form a sticky dough, then let it rest and ferment slowly for the desired texture.

Can I add nuts for extra texture?

Chopped walnuts or pistachios can be sprinkled on top before baking for added crunch and a nutty flavor.

Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

A vibrant focaccia with cranberries and orange zest, boasting a crisp crust and soft, pillowy crumb.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Savory Bites

Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition labels Plant-based, No dairy

What you'll need

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
03 1 teaspoon instant yeast
04 1 tablespoon sugar
05 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
06 3 tablespoons olive oil

Topping

01 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
02 Zest of 1 large orange
03 2 tablespoons sugar
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

Phase 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, instant yeast, and sugar until evenly distributed.

Phase 02

Form dough: Add lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons olive oil to the dry mixture; stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms without kneading.

Phase 03

Initial fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel; let rest at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours until doubled in volume and bubbly.

Phase 04

Prepare pan: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking pan and spread evenly to coat the bottom and sides.

Phase 05

Shape dough: Transfer the risen dough into the oiled pan and gently stretch it to fill the pan evenly.

Phase 06

Second rest: Cover the pan and allow the dough to rest for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Phase 07

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is resting.

Phase 08

Dimple dough and add toppings: Using oiled fingers, press dimples all over the dough surface. Evenly scatter cranberries over the top, gently pressing some into the dough. Sprinkle orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar, then drizzle lightly with additional olive oil as desired.

Phase 09

Bake focaccia: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Phase 10

Cool and serve: Allow focaccia to cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces and serving.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Plastic wrap or clean towel
  • Oven

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains olive oil; verify nut-free status if required

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 200
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g