The Best Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s moist, tangy, and beautifully festive, then this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is exactly what you need. With the richness of cream cheese, the buttery softness of a homemade loaf, and the tart burst of cranberries in every bite, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as a breakfast bread, a tea-time snack, or a holiday dessert, this loaf will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Tender: The combination of butter and cream cheese keeps the crumb soft and rich.
Festive Flavor: Tart cranberries balance perfectly with the sweet loaf.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward method.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Freezer Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Loaf
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200 g) sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
2 tablespoons flour (to coat cranberries so they don’t sink)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Eggs & Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Add vanilla and almond extract. Mix well.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
Mix gently until just combined.
Step 6: Add Cranberries
Toss cranberries in 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent sinking.
Fold them gently into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If it browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Loaf
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth blending.
Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Frozen cranberries work perfectly—just don’t thaw before adding.
Soak dried cranberries in orange juice or warm water if using instead of fresh.
Glaze or not? The glaze adds sweetness, but the loaf is delicious plain too.
Variations & Add-Ins
Orange Cranberry Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and swap buttermilk with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Nutty Loaf: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Chocolate Cranberry Loaf: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter for breakfast.
Pair with coffee or tea in the afternoon.
Dress it up with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Slice and gift it during the holidays—it makes a perfect edible present.
Storage & Freezing
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just soak them in orange juice or warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and use.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
You can replace cream cheese with more butter, but the loaf will be less moist and tangy.
3. How do I prevent the loaf from sinking in the middle?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and don’t open the oven too early.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but bake in two separate pans for even results.
5. What’s the best glaze for this loaf?
A simple vanilla glaze works great, but orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) is amazing too.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is festive, soft, tangy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s a versatile recipe that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and it stores beautifully. If you’re looking for a loaf that feels cozy, holiday-ready, and family-approved, this is the one to bake.