Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Sweet, tangy, and perfectly moist, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful twist on classic cranberry bread. Swirled with a rich cream cheese filling and dotted with tart cranberries, each slice is soft, buttery, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting a treat, or simply craving a cozy bake, this loaf is a sure winner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive Flavor – Tart cranberries balance the rich sweetness perfectly.
Cream Cheese Swirl – A luscious layer of creaminess in every bite.
Moist & Buttery – Tender crumb with a soft texture that stays fresh.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, impressive result.
Perfect for Gifting – Wrapped up, it makes a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cranberry Loaf:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp orange zest (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Zester or microplane (if using orange zest)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
3. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Set aside while you prepare the loaf batter.

Step 3: Mix the Cranberry Loaf Batter
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
7. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and orange zest.
8. Mix in the sour cream until combined.
9. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until no dry streaks remain.
10. Gently fold in cranberries with a spatula.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
11. Spoon half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
12. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
13. Top with remaining batter and smooth the top.
14. Optional: sprinkle with coarse sugar or a few extra cranberries for a pretty finish.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf
15. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
16. Cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
17. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
18. Slice once fully cooled and enjoy with coffee, tea, or a little butter on the side.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Loaf
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – They blend more smoothly and evenly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients come together for a tender loaf.
Frozen Cranberries – Toss with a bit of flour before folding in to prevent sinking.
Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch if desired.
Wrap Tightly – This loaf stays moist and tender for several days when properly stored.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Brunch – Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
Afternoon Snack – A warm slice with a mug of tea is perfection.
Dessert – Drizzle with a vanilla glaze or serve with whipped cream.
Gift – Wrap in parchment, tie with string, and add a tag for a beautiful homemade gift.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temp: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing:

• Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
   Yes—use ¾ cup and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to keep them plump.
2. Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a direct swap.
3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
   Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with similar moisture and tang.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! Bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 pan (adjust baking time accordingly).
5. Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
   Yes, though it adds richness—simply bake the cranberry loaf on its own and reduce sugar slightly if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the kind of cozy, festive bake that brightens up any day. With its rich swirl, tart cranberries, and soft, buttery crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring a slice for yourself, this loaf is a seasonal classic with a creamy twist you’ll come back to again and again.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your cranberry creations.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American Bakery

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 10 slices):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Sodium: 250mg

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