This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its tender crumb, creamy filling, and bursts of tart cranberries, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just enjoying a cozy day at home, this loaf is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make and even better the next day!
Why You’ll Adore This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of cranberries complements the rich cream cheese for a delightful flavor combination.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This loaf is incredibly soft and melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Festive and Beautiful: The vibrant red cranberries make it a show-stopping treat for any holiday gathering.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Swap the Fruit: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrusy note.
- Glazed Top: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Substitutions:
- Fresh Cranberries: Swap for frozen cranberries (no need to thaw) or dried cranberries (soak in warm water for 10 minutes).
- Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for dietary needs.
- All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar: Try coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can! There’s no need to thaw them—just mix them directly into the batter.
2. What can I serve this loaf with?
It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
3. How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?
Toss the cranberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the loaf.
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
There’s something truly comforting about the blend of tart cranberries and creamy cheese in this Cranberry Cream Cheese Loaf. Whether you’re savoring it with your morning coffee, serving it as a festive holiday dessert, or sharing it with loved ones, this loaf combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and stability.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity from the cranberries.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The tart colorful stars of the dish.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened: Creates a creamy, tangy layer.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- 1 large egg: Helps the filling set while baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk or buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries to avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading gently without mixing.
- Add the remaining batter on top, spreading to cover the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with foil during the last 15-20 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
