Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. The tangy cranberries and creamy cheese combine for a delightful balance of sweet and tart in every bite. This homemade bread is sure to become a favorite during the holiday season or any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup softened butter
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Step 7: Gently fold in the cranberries and pecans if using, ensuring even distribution without crushing the cranberries.
8. Step 8: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Step 11: Slice and enjoy your delicious cream cheese cranberry bread plain or with your favorite accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw to prevent the batter from becoming too watery; fold them in frozen.
• Try substituting walnuts or almonds for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• To enhance cranberry tartness, sprinkle a few extra cranberries on top of the batter before baking.

Storage

Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to one week. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cranberries work very well in this recipe. Just rinse and dry them before folding into the batter. If frozen, use them straight from the freezer to avoid extra moisture in the dough.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Make sure these are softened to mix easily. The texture may vary slightly but will still taste delicious.

Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread featuring fresh cranberries and a rich cream cheese swirl. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the creamy sweetness of butter and cream cheese in every bite.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves (about 12 slices per loaf) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs

Add-ins

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse your bread with aromatic flavor.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain an even consistency.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense bread.
7. Fold in Cranberries and Pecans: Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries and the optional chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Divide Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.
9. Cool the Bread: Allow the breads to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread as a delightful breakfast or snack option, either on its own or with accompaniments of your choice.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if frozen, do not thaw before adding to retain their texture and prevent bleeding into the batter.
• Pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
• Oven temperatures can vary; start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread, Cranberry Bread, Sweet Bread, Holiday Bread, Breakfast Bread, Cream Cheese Dessert Bread