This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is soft, moist, and lightly tangy with bursts of sweet cranberries in every bite. The cream cheese adds richness and a tender crumb, making it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a festive holiday treat.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 2 hours
- Servings: 10 slices
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
🧁 Loaf Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
🍒 Cranberries
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp flour (to coat cranberries)
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar glaze
- Orange zest
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese makes the loaf rich and moist
- Cranberries add tart bursts of flavor
- Coating cranberries in flour helps prevent sinking
- Orange zest enhances holiday-style flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Batter
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Cranberries
Toss cranberries with 1 tbsp flour, then gently fold into batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Let loaf cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice Approx.)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
Tips
- Do not overmix the batter for a soft texture
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor or dried for sweetness
- Let the loaf cool fully before slicing
- Add orange zest for a bakery-style aroma
Variations
Orange Cranberry Loaf
Add 1 tbsp orange zest and orange juice.
Glazed Version
Drizzle with vanilla or lemon glaze.
Nutty Version
Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Holiday Spice Loaf
Add cinnamon and nutmeg for warm flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is soft, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. It’s a cozy homemade bake that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for everyday enjoyment.
