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Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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