Description
Moist, tangy, and packed with bright cranberry flavor, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. With swirls of creamy goodness throughout and bursts of juicy cranberries in every slice, this festive quick bread makes a lovely holiday treat or a year-round breakfast favorite. It’s simple to make, beautiful to serve, and even better to eat.
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Ingredients
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 tbsp orange zest (optional, for extra brightness)
• 1 tbsp flour (for tossing cranberries)
For the Glaze (Optional):
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp orange or milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the sugar and beat until light and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest if using.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk.
Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
Step 6: Add Cranberries
Toss cranberries with 1 tbsp of flour (helps prevent sinking).
Gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cover with foil in the last 10–15 minutes if browning too quickly.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
If glazing, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice or milk until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled loaf before slicing.
Notes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything blend evenly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the loaf tender.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Both work great—no need to thaw frozen.
Add Nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans add texture and warmth.
Brighten the Flavor – Orange zest gives a citrusy pop that complements the cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American