The Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Warm, freshly baked cranberry cream cheese bread brings comfort to any kitchen on chilly mornings.

Sweet-tart cranberries dance through soft, creamy dough with delightful precision.

cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes each slice extraordinary.

The fragrant aisle of spices and fruits creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home.

Seasonal baking becomes a cherished moment of culinary joy and connection.

This recipe promises a delectable treat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Slice into pure deliciousness and savor every tender, flavorful bite.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Toss the cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the bread while baking.

• Is it possible to make this bread without cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds moisture and richness, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tangy flavor.

• Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results in maintaining the bread’s structure.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Flavor Points

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this cranberry cream cheese bread requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Bursting with tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese, this bread appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or dessert – this recipe transitions smoothly between different meal occasions without losing its delicious charm.
• Seasonal Sensation: Cranberries bring a festive touch, making this bread especially wonderful during holiday seasons and winter gatherings when everyone craves comforting baked goods.

Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creamy texture to the bread.
• Butter: Contributes to the moistness and flavor of the bread.
• Cranberries: Provide a tart burst of flavor and beautiful color throughout the loaf.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Milk: Helps create a tender crumb and adds softness.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to complement the cranberries.

• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice: Create a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the bread.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal of the bread from the pan.

Baking Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your bread pans and give them a quick spritz of nonstick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Together Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Create Creamy Wet Base

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients on high speed for about 2 minutes until they’re light and fluffy.

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest
• Milk

Mix until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed.

Stir just until combined – don’t overmix!

Tenderly fold in fresh cranberries.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the bread cool completely.

Step 6: Drizzle with Citrusy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Create a smooth glaze and drizzle over the cooled loaves for a stunning finish.

Tips for Soft Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Add sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra softness and tender crumb.
• Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before mixing to prevent them from dropping to the bottom of the bread.
• Toast nuts like pecans or walnuts and fold into the batter for a delightful crunch and rich nutty undertone.
• Reduce sugar slightly if using sweetened dried cranberries to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Flavorful Variations for Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cranberry Loaf: Swap butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and vegan cream cheese alternative. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Lemon Berry Variation: Substitute orange zest with lemon zest and add blueberries alongside cranberries for a bright, fruity flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, reducing overall calorie and carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious taste.

Serving Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Festive Breakfast Companion: Pair this cranberry cream cheese bread with a steaming cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Plate: Slice the bread and serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sophisticated after-dinner indulgence.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a homemade present that spreads delicious cheer to friends and family.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging slices on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint garnish for an eye-catching display.

Storing Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Fresh

• Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and soft texture.
• Store bread in an airtight container for 5-7 days, preventing it from drying out and preserving its fresh cranberry flavor.
• Wrap individual slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, lasting up to 3 months for convenient future enjoyment.
• Remove from freezer and let bread sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, ensuring it returns to its original soft and moist consistency.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry cream cheese bread offers a delightful fusion of tangy berries and rich cheese. Bakers will savor each moist slice, finding comfort in this simple yet elegant quick bread perfect for morning treats or afternoon snacks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups (200g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup (114g) butter, softened

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 0.33 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking equipment by coating two 8×5-inch bread pans with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter, cream cheese, and sugar at high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and milk into the creamed mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using low-speed mixing, stopping when just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Carefully fold fresh cranberries into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Evenly distribute batter between prepared bread pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
9. Allow loaves to cool completely in pans, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
11. Drizzle glaze elegantly over cooled bread loaves, allowing it to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor without changing the bread’s texture.
• Reduce sugar by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version that maintains delicious taste.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for quick breakfast or snack options that stay fresh for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 151mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 54mg