Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
This cranberry cream cheese bread is the ultimate holiday quick bread made from scratch with fresh cranberries and a rich cream cheese swirl. It’s ready in just over an hour and perfect for festive breakfasts, afternoon tea, or dessert gatherings. The moist texture and tangy-sweet flavor combination make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
I first developed this recipe during a cozy December weekend when the scent of citrus and spices filled my kitchen. There’s something magical about how the tart cranberries contrast with the creamy filling, creating a dessert bread that feels both nostalgic and special. I often serve it alongside my cranberry orange cookies during holiday gatherings or with a warm cup of tea on rainy afternoons. It has become one of those cherished recipes that my family requests year-round, especially when paired with something decadent like Boston cream pie for special occasions.
What Makes This Cranberry Bread Special
- Cream Cheese Swirl: The rich marbled filling adds luxurious texture and flavor.
- Fresh Cranberry Tang: Using fresh berries provides bright, tart contrast to the sweet bread.
- Moist Dessert Bread: Perfect tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Holiday Ready: Beautiful presentation makes it ideal for festive gatherings and gift-giving.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Bread Batter
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances tart cranberries.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich flavor.
- Large eggs: At room temperature for better emulsion.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warm, aromatic notes.
- Fresh cranberries: Finely chopped for even distribution and bursts of flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream cheese: Softened for smooth, lump-free swirling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess in the filling.
- Orange zest: Adds bright citrus notes that complement cranberries.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
Try this delicious cranberry cream cheese bread with a creamy swirl and fresh cranberries. Perfect holiday quick bread that’s moist and easy to make.
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- whisk
- spatula
- oven
- wire rack
- knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries finely chopped
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring the flour coats all greased surfaces to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until it is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or spoon just until combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh cranberries.
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Spoon half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Carefully top with the remaining bread batter, spreading it to cover the cream cheese layer. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter a few times for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Allow the cranberry cream cheese bread to cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can cause the bread to crumble.
Notes
If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Allow to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Ways to Customize Your Cranberry Bread
- Orange Glaze Version: Drizzle with orange icing after cooling for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Lemon Twist: Substitute lemon zest for orange in the cream cheese filling.
My Secrets for Perfect Cranberry Bread
- Proper Measuring: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level for accurate results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother batter.
- Gentle Folding: Mix batter until just combined to avoid tough bread.
- Doneness Test: Look for moist crumbs on tester, not clean, to prevent overbaking.
How to Store Your Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Store: Keep in airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake bread 1 day ahead, as flavors improve overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. Chop them while still frozen to prevent excess moisture that could affect the bread’s texture. The frozen berries will bake beautifully into the bread.
Why did my cream cheese swirl sink to the bottom?
This happens if the cream cheese mixture is too thin. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened but not warm, and avoid overmixing. A thicker filling will stay suspended better during baking.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
More Holiday Breads You’ll Love
Why This Cranberry Bread Becomes a Favorite
With its moist texture, tangy cranberries, and luxurious cream cheese swirl, this bread is perfect for holiday breakfasts, afternoon tea, or dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch and always receives compliments. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your home just as it has in mine.
