Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

While pumpkin bread is a classic dessert, breakfast, or snack staple during the autumn months, there hasn’t been an equivalent treat for winter—until now. This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is perfectly moist, sweet, and tart, making it the ideal treat when you have friends or family over or when you simply need a little pick-me-up to start or end your day. Filled with love (and cranberries and cream cheese), this loaf is the best way to kickstart your morning.

Even if baking isn’t at the top of your to-do list, this cranberry cream cheese loaf is well worth the minimal time and effort. It’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit and bring your family together, as no one will want to miss out on a slice of this delicious treat! Enjoy it on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with extra cream cheese—whatever suits your taste, just be sure to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional loaf cakes, combining the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberries. It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl or mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake in the oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them; add directly to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds before baking for some added crunch.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 | Total Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 240mg | Total Carbohydrates: 38g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 21g | Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but the texture and moisture content will be different. If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.

Can I freeze this loaf?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a must-try for anyone looking to add a bit of festive flair to their baking. Its delightful balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!