Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

 

A Cozy Treat: Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf Recipe

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the perfect seasonal treat—moist, rich, and bursting with tart cranberries that balance beautifully with the creamy tang of cream cheese. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea, this loaf is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Moist and tender crumb from the cream cheese

• Bright, tart cranberries add a fruity punch

• Perfect for the holidays or any cozy weekend

• Freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat until light.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—do not overmix.

5. Fold in the cranberries gently with a spatula.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

8. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips & Variations

• Orange zest makes a great addition for a citrusy note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

• Add a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet finishing touch.

• Use dried cranberries in a pinch, but reduce the quantity to 1 cup and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up.

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Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of more cream cheese. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays—wrap it in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic, heartfelt presentation.

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This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is more than just a treat—it's a bite of comfort that brings a touch of joy to any day. So preheat that oven, pull out your loaf pan, and get baking!