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.