perfect quick bread for the holidays—or anytime you want a cozy, fruit-filled bake. The cream cheese in the batter creates a soft, rich texture, while the fresh cranberries bring bursts of tart flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or a festive dessert, this loaf is sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Moist Texture – Thanks to the cream cheese in the batter
Tart & Sweet – Fresh cranberries balance the rich loaf
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy anytime
Perfect for the Holidays – Great for gifting or gatherings
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, no special tools required
Ingredients You’ll Need
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk
1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tbsp flour (for tossing cranberries)
Optional Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice
Zest of ½ an orange (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Spatula
9×5-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper (optional)
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Toss cranberries in 1 tbsp flour, then gently fold into the batter.
Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 8: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 9: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf if desired.
Tips for the Best Loaf
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter
Don’t overmix to keep the loaf soft and tender
Toss cranberries in flour to prevent sinking
Use orange zest for a bright citrusy twist
Let the loaf cool fully before glazing
Serving Suggestions
Slice for breakfast or brunch with coffee or tea
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese spread
Wrap and gift for the holidays
Top with whipped cream for dessert
Add to your Christmas morning table
How to Store & Freeze
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried cranberries? Yes, soak ¾ cup dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese? Yes, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different
- Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes—no need to thaw, just toss in flour before adding
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking
- Can I make this into muffins? Yes—bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a simple, festive bake that never fails to impress. Rich, moist, and filled with bright berry bursts, it’s a perfect companion for cozy mornings, afternoon coffee, or gift-giving. Bake it once, and it just might become a new seasonal favorite.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American / Holiday Baking
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 10):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 190mg
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Moist, tangy, and sweet in all the right ways, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the perfect quick bread for the holidays—or anytime you want a cozy, fruit-filled bake. The cream cheese in the batter creates a soft, rich texture, while the fresh cranberries bring bursts of tart flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or a festive dessert, this loaf is sure to impress.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest seasonal bakes and loaf recipes you’ll love.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk
1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tbsp flour (for tossing cranberries)
Optional Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice
Zest of ½ an orange (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Toss cranberries in 1 tbsp flour, then gently fold into the batter.
Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 8: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 9: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter
Don’t overmix to keep the loaf soft and tender
Toss cranberries in flour to prevent sinking
Use orange zest for a bright citrusy twist
Let the loaf cool fully before glazing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
