Description
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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Ingredients
For the Loaf Batter:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 egg
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
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1 tbsp coarse sugar for a crackly crust
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Extra cranberries for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American