Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

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Golden, tender, and bursting with the tart pop of cranberries, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the kind of bake that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. Moist and rich thanks to the cream cheese, yet not overly sweet, it’s the perfect balance of comforting and bright. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a midday snack, or serve it at a holiday brunch, this loaf never fails to impress.

The beautiful contrast of creamy tang and berry brightness makes this loaf stand out on any table. With a texture that’s soft but sturdy and a golden crust that holds everything together, this loaf is as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat. Bake it in mini loaves for gifting or keep it whole for your own delight—it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

This recipe is easy to whip up and delivers bakery-quality results at home. It’s versatile enough for holiday gatherings, cozy weekend brunches, or even a sweet treat in lunchboxes. The tangy cream cheese keeps the crumb moist and tender while the cranberries offer bright bursts of flavor throughout. It also stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how foolproof and flavorful this loaf is. It’s also freezer-friendly, which means you can enjoy a slice of homemade comfort any time the craving hits.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe, giving you flexibility depending on the season. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before folding into the batter—this actually helps prevent them from bleeding too much color. Dried cranberries can also be used in a pinch, but they’ll create a sweeter, chewier result. For the best tart contrast and moist texture, fresh or frozen is the way to go.

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Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing flavor, texture, and structure to this delicious loaf:

• All-purpose flour – Provides the foundation and structure to the loaf.
• Baking powder – Helps the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Cream cheese – The star ingredient that adds moisture, a subtle tang, and creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the loaf and helps with browning.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and give the loaf structure.
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and light.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries – Add tart bursts of flavor throughout the loaf.

How To Make the Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your loaf pan or mini loaf pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan(s). Bake for 50-60 minutes if using a large pan or 30-35 minutes for mini loaves, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, or wrap tightly for later enjoyment.

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How to Serve and Store This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

This loaf is wonderfully versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a cozy breakfast with your morning coffee, a festive holiday treat, or a sweet addition to any brunch spread. You can serve it plain, with a dab of butter, or even lightly toasted. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

This recipe yields one standard loaf or 4–6 mini loaves, making it ideal for gifting or small gatherings. Each loaf feeds about 6–8 people.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm briefly in the oven to bring back that just-baked texture.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf?

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or creamy latte balances the tangy cranberries and rich texture of the loaf.

Herbal Tea

Chamomile or mint tea makes a soothing pairing that complements the loaf’s gentle sweetness.

Greek Yogurt

A scoop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess for a well-rounded breakfast.

Scrambled Eggs

Keep it savory with a side of fluffy eggs to turn your cranberry loaf into a full brunch plate.

Fresh Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries add a colorful, juicy contrast to each slice.

Maple Syrup Drizzle

A light drizzle of maple syrup takes this from simple snack to gourmet-style treat.

Fruit Compote

Warm apple or pear compote pairs beautifully with the creamy loaf for a comforting dessert option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to use unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the loaf from becoming overly sweet. You might want to soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes before folding them into the batter to help soften their texture.

Why did my loaf crack on top while baking?
Cracks are completely normal in quick breads like this one. They occur when the outside sets before the inside finishes rising. It’s part of the charm and gives the loaf a rustic, homemade look.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for best texture.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done. Also, the top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Is it okay to freeze the loaf?
Yes! This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm up slices in the toaster oven before serving.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add orange zest or go full classic? Did you use fresh or dried cranberries?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Check out more of my daily recipe creations and seasonal treats on Life With Livia’s Pinterest.

Conclusion

The Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a cozy, vibrant bake that brings a burst of flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re slicing it up for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, it’s the kind of recipe that wins hearts with every bite. With its moist crumb, rich cream cheese base, and tangy cranberries, this loaf proves that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. Give it a try, and it might just become a new favorite in your baking rotation.

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