Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Moist, tangy, and perfectly sweet, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful quick bread bursting with holiday cheer. Swirls of rich cream cheese run through a soft, buttery loaf studded with tart cranberries, creating a beautiful marbled effect and balanced flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for holiday brunches, afternoon tea, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive & Flavorful – Tart cranberries and creamy swirls are the perfect match.
Moist Texture – Buttermilk and butter keep every slice tender.
Easy to Make – No mixer needed, just simple mixing and layering.
Great for Gifting – Bakes beautifully and slices cleanly.
Perfect Year-Round – Especially ideal for fall and winter baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf Batter:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1 tbsp coarse sugar for a crackly crust
• Extra cranberries for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Toothpick or skewer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease generously.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
3. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Loaf Batter
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In another bowl, whisk melted butter with sugar until combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
6. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
7. Gently fold in cranberries.

Step 4: Layer the Loaf
8. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Spoon cream cheese mixture over the batter and smooth gently.
10. Pour remaining batter on top and smooth with a spatula.
11. Optionally, swirl the top gently with a knife for a marbled look and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf
12. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
13. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Serve
14. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything blend smoothly.
Don’t Overmix – Just until the flour disappears.
Let It Cool Fully – The loaf sets as it cools for cleaner slices.
Add Citrus Zest – Orange or lemon zest enhances cranberry flavor.
Freeze for Later – Wrap slices individually for an easy grab-and-go treat.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – The perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Holiday Breakfast – Serve with eggs or fruit salad.
Topped with Whipped Cream – Makes a light dessert.
Alongside Soup or Salad – A sweet contrast to savory dishes.
On a Dessert Platter – Slice and serve with cookies and fruit.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temp: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 1 week—bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing:

• Wrap loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
   Yes—use 1 cup and soak in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them before using.
2. Can I use a different fruit?
   Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries work well too.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes—divide between two loaf pans or make one large loaf and adjust the bake time.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a festive, flavorful quick bread that’s just as good for holiday brunch as it is for everyday snacking. With its tender crumb, creamy center, and bursts of cranberry tang, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for all season long.

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 sweet and swirly creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 10 servings):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Sodium: 190mg

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