Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
   In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Make the Loaf Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
5. Assemble the Loaf
   Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, then spoon the remaining batter over the filling and smooth the top.
6. Bake
   Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Glaze (Optional)
   Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps your loaf soft and tender.
• Use fresh cranberries if possible; they add a brighter, tangier flavor.
• Add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with cranberries.

Why We Love It

The Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf isn’t just a recipe — it’s a slice of comfort. Every bite offers a mix of tart fruit, creamy filling, and buttery crumb that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s a loaf that looks beautiful on a brunch table, makes a thoughtful homemade gift, and keeps beautifully for days (if it lasts that long!).

Whether you bake it for a cozy morning, a holiday gathering, or to share with friends, this loaf is proof that the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special — a taste of joy wrapped in sweetness and warmth.