Cranberry Orange Focaccia

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

This focaccia features a simple no-knead dough infused with olive oil and a topping of fresh cranberries and bright orange zest. After a long rest, the dough becomes airy and bubbly, creating a soft, pillowy crumb with a golden, crisp crust. The balance of tart cranberries and citrus zest adds refreshing flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy with whipped honey butter or mascarpone for a delightful treat.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and orange zest, a tempting bread. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and orange zest, a tempting bread. | buddybiteskitchen.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

This no-knead focaccia has become my go-to breakfast treat especially when I want something flavorful yet effortless to make

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) lukewarm water 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
  • Topping: 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen do not thaw) Zest of 1 large orange 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl combine flour salt yeast and sugar Mix well
Step 2:
Add water and 3 tablespoons olive oil Stir until a shaggy sticky dough forms do not knead
Step 3:
Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel Let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours until bubbly and doubled in size
Step 4:
Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Scrape dough into pan and gently stretch to fit
Step 5:
Cover and let rest for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy
Step 6:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Step 7:
With oiled fingers press dimples all over the dough Scatter cranberries evenly over the top gently pressing some into the dough
Step 8:
Sprinkle with orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar Drizzle lightly with extra olive oil if desired
Step 9:
Bake 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
Step 10:
Cool slightly before slicing and serving
Save to Pinterest
| buddybiteskitchen.com

Baking this focaccia has created wonderful family mornings filled with the aroma of fresh bread and fruit

Notes

Substitute dried cranberries if fresh or frozen are unavailable use ⅔ cup and soak in warm water for 5 minutes then drain Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for crunch Serve with whipped honey butter or mascarpone For a citrus boost add 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice to the dough

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Plastic wrap or clean towel Oven

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) Produced with olive oil check for nut-free if needed Always verify all ingredient labels for allergens

A close-up of a beautifully baked Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia, perfect for brunch, with juicy cranberries. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a beautifully baked Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia, perfect for brunch, with juicy cranberries. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh or within two days for optimal flavor and texture

Common Recipe Questions

How does the no-knead method affect the focaccia texture?

Allowing the dough to rest for 8–12 hours develops gluten naturally, resulting in an airy, soft interior without the need for kneading.

Can frozen cranberries be used without thawing?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be scattered on top directly; this helps retain their shape and bursts of tartness during baking.

What is the purpose of orange zest in this focaccia?

Orange zest adds bright citrus notes that complement the tartness of cranberries and enhance the bread’s aroma.

How should the dough be prepared before baking?

After rising, gently stretch the dough in the oiled pan, rest it again briefly, then use oiled fingers to create dimples before adding toppings and baking.

Are there suggested toppings to add crunch or richness?

Chopped walnuts or pistachios add crunch, and serving with whipped honey butter or mascarpone provides creamy richness.

Cranberry Orange Focaccia

A bright focaccia combining tart cranberries and fresh orange zest with a fluffy texture and crisp crust.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Daybreak Buddy Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Recipe Yield 8 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Free of 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
02 Zest of 1 large orange
03 2 tablespoons sugar
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and sugar.

Step 02

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

Step 03

First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours until doubled and bubbly.

Step 04

Prepare Baking Pan: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking pan and scrape the risen dough into it, gently stretching to fit.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 07

Dimple Dough and Add Toppings: Using oiled fingers, press dimples evenly across the dough surface. Scatter cranberries over the dough, gently pressing some into it, then sprinkle with orange zest and sugar. Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing into eight pieces and serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Contains olive oil; verify nut-free status if required.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 200
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 33 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams