Looking for the perfect holiday loaf to impress family, friends, or neighbors? This Cranberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a soft, moist bread with bursts of tart cranberries and a rich cream cheese filling. It’s so delicious that when I shared a loaf with my neighbor, she immediately called asking for the recipe! This loaf is festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender thanks to sour cream and butter.
- Perfectly balanced with tart cranberries and sweet creamy filling.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Holiday favorite that makes a great gift or dessert.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries (if dried, soak in hot water for 10 minutes and drain)
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or streusel topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla together until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream until combined.
- Add dry ingredients gradually, stirring until just blended.
- Fold in cranberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
- Spread half of the bread batter into the loaf pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with remaining bread batter.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar or streusel, if using.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cranberries for a tangier flavor, or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add orange zest for a festive citrus twist.
- Make mini loaves for gifting during the holidays.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw—just fold them directly into the batter.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply bake in two loaf pans or freeze one loaf for later.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Loaf is festive, flavorful, and incredibly moist. The tangy cranberries paired with creamy filling create a bakery-style loaf that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays, a family gathering, or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is sure to impress.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a holiday bread that’s both eye-catching and crowd-pleasing, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Loaf is the answer. It’s simple to prepare, delivers a perfect balance of flavors, and makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Try it once, and it may just become one of your go-to recipes every holiday season. Share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time.