Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams with this mouthwatering Cranberry Bread with Cream Cheese! Imagine pulling out a golden, moist loaf that's bursting with tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese - a perfect blend of sweet and tart that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen warrior, this incredibly simple yet impressive bread will become your new go-to treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread texture.
- Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: spread additional cream cheese on each slice for extra richness.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Don't Overmix: Gentle folding is key! Overmixing can make your bread tough and dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Cranberry Tip: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first. Add them directly to the batter to prevent color bleeding.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely dry.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help it set properly.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: A light spread of extra cream cheese or a quick toast can elevate this bread to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
