Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

This focaccia combines juicy cranberries and fresh orange zest for a bright, flavorful bread. The dough requires no kneading, simply mixed and left to rise for 8-12 hours, resulting in a pillowy, airy texture with a crisp golden crust. The tart cranberries and aromatic citrus add vibrant bursts of flavor, ideal for breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly, this bread pairs beautifully with honey butter or mascarpone for a cozy treat.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:31:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and zesty orange slices. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and zesty orange slices. | 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.

I first made this as a holiday breakfast treat, and my family loved it with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The combination of tart cranberries and bright citrus makes every bite special.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl mix flour salt yeast and sugar well.
Add liquids:
Add lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy sticky dough forms. Do not knead.
First rise:
Cover bowl tightly. 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 rest:
Cover and let rest for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Dimple and top:
With oiled fingers press dimples all over dough. Scatter cranberries evenly on top. Gently press some into dough.
Add zest and sugar:
Sprinkle with orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar. Drizzle topping olive oil if desired.
Bake:
Bake 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and serve:
Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia promises a soft interior with crispy edges, ready to eat! Save to Pinterest
This homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia promises a soft interior with crispy edges, ready to eat! | buddybiteskitchen.com

This focaccia has become a favorite for our weekend brunch table especially with a drizzle of honey butter and hot coffee. Sharing slices always sparks cheerful conversation.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl measuring cups and spoons baking pan plastic wrap or clean towel and an oven are needed for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This bread contains wheat (gluten) and is produced with olive oil. Always verify all ingredient labels for allergens especially for nut-free needs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 200. Total Fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 33 g. Protein: 4 g.

Perfect for brunch, a close up of the homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia shows its dimpled top. Save to Pinterest
Perfect for brunch, a close up of the homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia shows its dimpled top. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Finish with a touch of mascarpone or whipped honey butter. Serve warm for extra comfort.

Common Recipe Questions

What makes this focaccia no-knead?

The dough is mixed until shaggy and sticky, then left to rise slowly. This gentle fermentation develops gluten without kneading.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, soak ⅔ cup dried cranberries in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain before adding as topping.

How long should the dough rest before baking?

After mixing, the dough rises at room temperature for 8-12 hours, then rests another 30-45 minutes in the pan before baking.

What is the purpose of orange zest in the topping?

Orange zest adds a bright, citrus aroma and flavor that balances the tart cranberries and enriches the focaccia’s taste.

Can nuts be added for texture?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pistachios can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast.

Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

A zesty focaccia topped with cranberries and orange zest, offering a crisp crust and tender crumb.

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, plus extra for greasing

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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Rest before topping: Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 06

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat.

Step 07

Prepare dough surface: Using oiled fingers, press dimples evenly across the dough surface.

Step 08

Add toppings: Distribute cranberries evenly on top, gently pressing some into the dough, then sprinkle with orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar; optionally drizzle with additional olive oil.

Step 09

Bake focaccia: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10

Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing into 8 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)
  • Check olive oil source for nut cross-contamination if necessary

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