Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
A Moist Cranberry Loaf with a Bright Citrus Finish
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This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf combines sweet, tangy cranberries with a rich, tender crumb for a bakery-style treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The cream cheese adds exceptional moisture and a smooth texture, creating a loaf that stays soft and flavorful for days.
What truly makes this loaf special is the orange glaze drizzled over the top. Its fresh citrus flavor complements the tart cranberries beautifully while balancing the richness of the cake, resulting in a perfectly harmonious bite.
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
Ingredients
For the Batter
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Whole milk, room temperature | ½ cup |
| Large eggs, room temperature | 2 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Fine sea salt | ½ tsp |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
For the Cranberries
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen cranberries | 1½ cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp |
For the Orange Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Confectioners’ sugar, sifted | 1 cup |
| Fresh orange juice | 1½ tbsp |
| Orange zest (optional) | ¼ tsp |
How To Make Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly dust it with flour.
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Helpful Tip:
For easy removal, line the pan with a strip of parchment paper that extends over the long sides. This makes lifting the finished loaf out of the pan much easier.
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Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Build the Batter
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two and beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Step 4: Add the Cranberries
Place the cranberries and 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl and toss until coated.
Gently fold the coated cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the loaf begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final portion of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and allow it to set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast treat.
- Enjoy as a holiday brunch centerpiece.
- Add extra orange zest on top for additional citrus flavor.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for several days.
- Delicious served plain or with a light spread of butter.
