Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Tender, tangy, and bursting with juicy cranberries, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a deliciously moist quick bread perfect for the holidays—or any time you crave a slice of something sweet and satisfying. A rich cream cheese batter bakes up golden and soft, while tart cranberries add beautiful pops of color and flavor. Serve it for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Moist – Cream cheese adds richness and keeps the loaf tender.
Sweet & Tart – Cranberries balance the sweet base with their natural zing.
No Mixer Required – Easy to whip up by hand in one bowl.
Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for holiday prep or gifting.
Versatile – Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ 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 (whole or 2%)
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
• Optional: ½ tsp orange zest or lemon zest for brightness
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

For Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice
• ¼ tsp vanilla or orange extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and optional citrus zest.

Step 4: Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk.
Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the cranberries and nuts if using.

Step 5: Bake
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.
If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk/orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smooth batter and even mixing.
Don’t Overmix – Stir gently to avoid a tough loaf.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Both work! No need to thaw frozen ones.
Add Citrus Zest – Orange or lemon zest pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Let it Cool – Slicing too early can cause it to crumble—let it set up fully.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Holiday Brunch – Serve with eggs, fruit, and warm drinks.
As Dessert – Add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Gift Idea – Wrap in parchment and ribbon for festive homemade gifts.
With Butter or Cream Cheese – Toast a slice and spread on top.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Store wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well up to 5 days for extra freshness.

Freezing:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, but reduce to ¾ cup and soak in warm water or juice for 10 minutes to soften.

2. What can I use instead of milk?
Use almond milk, oat milk, or even orange juice for a citrusy kick.

3. Can I make this in muffin form?
Absolutely! Bake in muffin tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

4. Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! White chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chopped apples are great additions.

5. Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! It’s optional, but adds a lovely sweet finish.

Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the kind of cozy, delicious recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table. With its soft, moist crumb and vibrant bursts of cranberry, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, this loaf is sure to become a year-round favorite.

Try it and let me know how you liked it! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your loaf on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your version!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 10):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 200mg

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