Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf Recipe

Here’s a deliciously moist Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf—perfect for the holidays, brunch, or a cozy treat 🍞🍒🧀

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Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, complements cranberries)

• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tsp milk or orange juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   • 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl

   • Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and sour cream.

5. Combine Batter

   • Fold in dry ingredients gently until just combined.

   • Fold in cranberries carefully.

6. Assemble Loaf

   • Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.

   • Spread cream cheese mixture over the batter.

   • Top with remaining batter.

   • Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the batter slightly.

7. Bake

   • 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (some cream cheese may streak).

   • Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. Optional Glaze

   • Mix powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth.

   • Drizzle over cooled loaf.

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Tips & Variations

• Extra fruity: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

• Zesty flavor: Add 1 tsp orange zest to batter.

• Make mini loaves: Use mini loaf pans or muffin tins; bake 20–25 minutes.

• Frozen cranberries: Toss in 1 tsp flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking.

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💡 Pro Tip: For a smooth cream cheese swirl, make sure cream cheese is fully softened and room temperature. Overmixing the batter can cause a denser loaf, so fold gently.

I can also give a one-bowl, faster version that’s just as moist and perfect for breakfast or gifting if you want. Do you want me to do that?