🍞🍒 Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a moist, tender quick bread that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. Every slice is soft, buttery, and filled with juicy bursts of fruit, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings. The cream cheese adds a velvety texture that keeps the loaf incredibly moist, while a light vanilla flavor ties everything together. Whether served plain or with a drizzle of glaze, this loaf is sure to become a family favorite.
📝 Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1½ cups fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating the cranberries)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Full Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
If using fresh cranberries, rinse and dry them thoroughly. Toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf soft and tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold the flour-coated cranberries into the batter using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delicious loaf with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Butter or cream cheese spread
- Vanilla yogurt
- Holiday brunch platters
💡 Tips for the Perfect Loaf
- Bring the cream cheese, butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Coating the cranberries in flour helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the loaf dense.
- If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well for a softer texture.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is soft, buttery, and bursting with tangy cranberries in every bite. It’s an easy yet elegant homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any time of year. 🍞🍒✨