Soft. Buttery. Slightly tangy. Bursting with cranberries.
This loaf is rich like pound cake, tender like quick bread, and perfectly balanced between sweet cream cheese and tart cranberries. It’s the kind of bake that feels holiday-worthy — but honestly? It’s perfect any time of year.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen — don’t thaw if frozen)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
👩🍳 How to Make Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
1️⃣ Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line with parchment.
2️⃣ Cream the Base
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
Beat until light, fluffy, and smooth (about 3–4 minutes).
3️⃣ Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla.
4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
5️⃣ Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in cranberries with a spatula.
💡 Tip: Toss cranberries in 1 tablespoon flour first to prevent sinking.
6️⃣ Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.
7️⃣ Cool
Let cool in pans for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
✨ Optional Additions
- Orange zest (1 tbsp) for brightness
- White chocolate chips for sweetness
- A simple powdered sugar glaze
- Coarse sugar on top before baking
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Warm slice with salted butter
- Light dusting of powdered sugar
- Toasted with cream cheese
- Alongside coffee or tea
🧊 Storage
- Room temperature (wrapped): 3 days
- Refrigerated: 5–6 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
This loaf is tender, rich, and just tart enough to keep you going back for another slice.
The cream cheese gives it that bakery-style softness.
The cranberries cut through the sweetness perfectly.
Simple ingredients.
Classic flavor.
Always a hit.
