Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

Featured in: Quick & Easy Meals

This focaccia showcases juicy cranberries and bright orange zest atop a crisp, golden crust with a pillowy interior. The no-knead method simplifies preparation, requiring an 8–12 hour rest for perfect rise and texture. A budget-friendly, easy-to-make loaf ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snack times. The dough blends flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil, gently stretched into a pan before topping. Baking at high heat produces aroma and flavor that balance sweet fruit with savory bread. Variations include nuts or citrus juice additions to elevate taste.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:59:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and orange zest, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia topped with bright cranberries and orange zest, ready to serve. | krispyrecipes.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 when cranberries were in season and we craved something cheerful for a chilly morning. It became an instant hit with my family, especially because it's so fuss-free and flavorful.

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, plus extra for drizzling
  • Cranberries: 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen (do not thaw if using frozen)
  • Orange zest: Zest of 1 large orange

Instructions

Make the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
Add liquids:
Add lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms; no kneading required.
First rise:
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.
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 dough 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 into the dough.
Finish topping:
Sprinkle with orange zest and 2 tablespoons sugar. Drizzle lightly with extra olive oil if desired.
Bake:
Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool & serve:
Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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| krispyrecipes.com

This bread starred at our weekend brunch, where everyone gathered around the table and reached for warm slices. The tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest truly made it memorable for every age.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices with whipped honey butter, mascarpone, or a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for breakfast or as a festive side for lunch.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and is produced with olive oil. To keep it nut-free, avoid adding nuts to the topping. Always check ingredient labels for allergens before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 200 calories, 6 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.

This delicious, homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia displays a satisfyingly crisp, olive oil crust. Save to Pinterest
This delicious, homemade Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia displays a satisfyingly crisp, olive oil crust. | krispyrecipes.com

This focaccia brings color and aroma to special mornings, and its soft crumb and tangy topping make every bite a joy. Serve warm for best results.

Common Recipe Questions

How long should the dough rest before baking?

Rest the dough at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.

Can frozen cranberries be used without thawing?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be scattered directly on the dough prior to baking for burst of tartness.

What creates the focaccia’s characteristic dimples?

Oiled fingers press gently into the dough surface, creating indentations that hold toppings and olive oil.

How can the crust be made crispier?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) and bake until golden brown for a crisp finish.

Are there suggested additions to enhance flavor or texture?

Chopped walnuts or pistachios add crunch, while a swirl of fresh orange juice in dough boosts citrus notes.

Cranberry Orange No-Knead Focaccia

A vibrant focaccia topped with cranberries and orange zest, boasting a crisp crust and soft, airy inside.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Total Portions 8 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare dough mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Stir to blend evenly.

Step 02

Combine liquids and form dough: Add lukewarm water and 3 tablespoons olive oil to dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Avoid kneading.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Prepare baking pan: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking pan. Transfer dough into pan and gently stretch to fit the shape.

Step 05

Second rise: Cover dough and let rest for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Produced with olive oil; verify nut-free status if needed.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 200
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 33 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams