Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of treat that feels like a hug for your taste buds. Imagine slicing into a warm, buttery loaf, with the tartness of cranberries mingling with the rich, smooth cream cheese. It’s a delightful combination that not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Whether you’re getting ready for a holiday gathering, a cozy brunch with friends, or simply indulging in a little self-care, this bread is just what you need. It’s wonderfully easy to make, even for those who might consider themselves baking novices. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s create some magic with Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread!
Why This Recipe Works
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread blends the rich, creamy flavors of cream cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a delightful contrast that makes each bite truly unforgettable. This recipe utilizes a straightforward method, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a moist and flavorful loaf. The addition of orange zest and juice further enhances the flavor profile, resulting in a bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re savoring it for breakfast, serving it as a delightful dessert, or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. The festive colors and flavors make it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, while the rich cream cheese base creates a comforting, homey experience that feels just like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g), scooped and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened (113.5 g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226.8 g)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 g)
- 3 large eggs
- â…“ cup milk (81.33 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (200 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Bread
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Next, prepare two 8×5-inch bread pans by spraying them with nonstick spray. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick when it’s baked.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s essential to set this aside for later use as these dry ingredients play a crucial role in the structure of your bread.
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for 2 minutes. It’s important to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully integrate the ingredients, ensuring a creamy, homogeneous mixture.
Add Wet Ingredients
Now, incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and milk into the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined, again scraping the sides to get every bit of goodness mixed in.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could make your bread dense instead of fluffy.
Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold in the cranberries either by stirring on low speed or by hand. It’s essential to make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every bite has that delightful tartness.
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaves to cool completely in the pans to finish the baking process gently.
Making the Glaze
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a lovely, shiny glaze that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Drizzle the Glaze
Once the loaves are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each loaf for an added touch of sweetness. This final step takes your Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread to an entirely new level.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices of Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread warm or at room temperature. This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent option for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Don’t forget to savor each bite; this bread deserves your full attention!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. This will help create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. Just mix until everything is combined.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them; add them directly to the batter. This helps maintain the perfect texture.
Variations
Try incorporating different fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. You may also add chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Each variation brings its own delightful twist to this versatile bread.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended freshness, slice and freeze the bread, thawing it when needed. It makes a great breakfast or snack option ready at a moment’s notice!
Pairing Ideas
Pair your Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious treat. It also complements savory dishes like a cheese platter beautifully, providing a sweet counterbalance.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them. Just add them directly to the batter for the best results.
Q2: How can I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
A2: Toss cranberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to help keep them suspended throughout the loaf.
Q3: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
A3: Yes, but the texture may be denser. For best results, consider using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A4: Yes, the bread freezes well. Slice it before freezing for convenience, so you can enjoy a piece whenever you desire.
Q5: What should I do if my bread comes out too dry?
A5: Make sure not to overbake the bread. Check for doneness a few minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary.
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread captures the essence of the season with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures, making it an unforgettable addition to any table. Its ease of preparation will have you coming back again and again, whether for a festive gathering or a quiet moment at home. Enjoy the delightful taste, and happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread offers a delicious contrast of tart cranberries and creamy cheese, creating a cozy treat that’s easy to bake and perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g), scooped and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened (113.5 g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226.8 g)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 g)
- 3 large eggs
- â…“ cup milk (81.33 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (200 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare two 8×5-inch bread pans with nonstick spray.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and milk to the creamed mixture and beat until well mixed.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in cranberries gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow loaves to cool before adding the glaze.
- Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract for the glaze and drizzle over cooled loaves.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
If using frozen cranberries, add them directly without thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8.5
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
