The holidays are a time for indulging in warm, comforting treats, and few things fit the bill as perfectly as this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese, this loaf is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served at a holiday gathering, as an afternoon snack with tea, or simply as a sweet breakfast treat, this loaf brings together all the flavors and textures we crave.
What makes this recipe so delightful is the combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet-tart cranberries, which work together to create a balanced and flavorful loaf. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for those who aren’t seasoned bakers. All you need are a few basic ingredients, a mixer, and some patience while the loaf bakes to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 18 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure your loaf doesn’t stick to the pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal once the loaf has cooled.
Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Next, place the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth, creamy, and well combined. The cream cheese adds a unique richness and a slight tang to the loaf, while the butter contributes to its moisture. This combination creates the perfect base for the loaf. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and cream cheese mixture is smooth, add the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition, making sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next one. Adding the eggs one at a time ensures that they emulsify properly into the batter, creating a light and fluffy texture. Once all the eggs are added, pour in the vanilla extract. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the loaf, giving it a warm, comforting aroma.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will help balance the richness of the cream cheese and butter, while the baking soda helps the loaf rise evenly as it bakes. The salt helps enhance the flavors and prevent the loaf from being too sweet. Once the dry ingredients are well combined, gradually add them to the wet ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, either by hand or with the mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until everything is combined, and you can no longer see the dry flour. This step is crucial for creating a tender loaf. Overmixing the batter could cause the loaf to be tough rather than light and fluffy.
Fold in Cranberries
Once the batter is fully mixed, it’s time to fold in the cranberries. This step should be done gently, as you don’t want to break the berries too much. If you’re using fresh cranberries, they may pop a little during the mixing, which is perfectly fine. However, if you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure to fold them in gently and avoid thawing them beforehand. Frozen cranberries are less likely to burst during the mixing, but be careful to avoid overworking the dough. The cranberries will not only add a burst of tartness to the loaf but will also provide a beautiful pop of color when baked.
Bake the Loaf
Once the cranberries are incorporated into the batter, pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan. Then, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Keep an eye on the loaf as it bakes, as oven temperatures may vary slightly. The loaf is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool the Loaf
After the loaf is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the loaf firm up and makes it easier to slice without it falling apart. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. The aroma while the loaf cools is heavenly, and your kitchen will be filled with the delicious scent of butter, cream cheese, and cranberries. The loaf will have a moist texture with a slightly tangy and sweet flavor profile.
Why This Loaf Is a Winner
What sets this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf apart from other cranberry breads or cakes is the use of cream cheese in the batter. Cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness and moisture to the loaf, preventing it from being dry or crumbly. The tangy cream cheese complements the tart cranberries perfectly, while the sweetness of the sugar balances everything out. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf with a slight tang, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table or just an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
- Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s important to use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese. This ensures that the ingredients blend together smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, you can soften them by microwaving the butter for about 10 seconds or placing the cream cheese in a warm bowl of water for a few minutes.
- Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, mixing the batter too much can cause the loaf to become dense. Be gentle when folding in the cranberries, and stir just until combined.
- Frozen Cranberries: If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. In fact, adding frozen berries directly to the batter helps them retain their shape during baking.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor or texture, you can mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. A teaspoon of orange zest could also complement the cranberries beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for added richness. It’s also excellent served with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect treat for brunch or dessert.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your holiday dessert table or simply want to bake something special for a weekend treat, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh cranberries and the smooth, rich flavor of cream cheese creates a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and truly irresistible. It’s easy to make, requires only a few simple ingredients, and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting. With its perfect balance of tart and sweet, it’s a loaf you’ll want to bake again and again!
