Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American Bakery