Description
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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Ingredients
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
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Optional: ½ tsp orange zest or lemon zest for brightness
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Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
For Glaze (Optional):
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice
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¼ tsp vanilla or orange extract
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American