Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of cream cheese and tart cranberries in a moist loaf. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also results in a beautiful bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf of this delicious bread and enjoying the aroma filling your kitchen. With its vibrant color and scrumptious taste, Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a masterpiece that will become a cherished favorite. So let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour ensures a light texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Salt: Enhances flavor; just a pinch balances the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Provides moisture and richness; use softened cream cheese for easier blending.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together; room temperature eggs mix better into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; pure vanilla extract is preferred over imitation.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work well; they add tartness that complements the sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in dense bread.
Step 5: Add Cranberries
Gently fold in cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer to plates and enjoy slices of this delightful Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread as part of your breakfast or as an afternoon snack!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
- Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Consider adding orange zest for added brightness that pairs well with cranberries.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool completely in the pan before transferring it to avoid crumbling when slicing.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Cheese Platter: The creamy texture of the bread complements various cheeses, enhancing their flavors.
- Fruit Compote: A sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the taste experience of this delightful bread.
- Butter or Cream Cheese Spread: Adds an extra layer of creaminess, making each bite even more indulgent.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter for Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread up to one day in advance. Simply mix all ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready, allowing about 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Storing: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
Suggestions for Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
One common mistake when making Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is using cold ingredients. Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend more easily, creating a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can result in lumps, leading to an uneven texture. To achieve the best results, take your cream cheese and butter out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start baking. This small step makes a significant difference in the consistency of your batter and ensures that your bread rises evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing is another frequent error when preparing Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread. While it might be tempting to mix until everything is perfectly combined, overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense loaf. Instead, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet mixture. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; these will bake out as the bread cooks. This technique helps maintain a light and fluffy texture in your final product.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for successful baking. Using too much flour or sugar can throw off the balance needed for Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread. Always use measuring cups designed for dry or liquid ingredients to ensure precision. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to excess amounts being used.
Allow Bread to Cool Completely
Many bakers make the mistake of slicing their Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread too soon after baking. Cutting into warm bread can result in a gummy texture and make it difficult to slice neatly. Instead, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once it’s completely cool, you will find that it slices beautifully and holds its shape better.
FAQs
What is cream cheese cranberry bread?
Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is a delightful quick bread featuring cream cheese and cranberries as key ingredients. The cream cheese adds moisture and richness, while cranberries provide bursts of tartness throughout each slice. This combination creates a sweet yet tangy flavor profile that pairs well with coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
How do I store leftover cream cheese cranberry bread?
To store leftover Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread effectively, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it has cooled completely. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices in airtight freezer bags; this allows you to enjoy them later without losing freshness.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
You can certainly use fresh cranberries in your Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread recipe! However, keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. If you prefer less tartness, consider adding more sugar or mixing in some orange zest for added sweetness and flavor balance when using fresh cranberries.
How can I enhance the flavor of my cream cheese cranberry bread?
To enhance the flavor of your Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into your batter for warmth and depth. Additionally, incorporating nuts such as walnuts or pecans adds crunch and richness that complements the creamy texture of the cream cheese and tartness of cranberries beautifully.
Conclusion for Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
In summary, crafting delicious Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread involves avoiding common mistakes such as using cold ingredients and overmixing the batter. Accurate measurements play a vital role in achieving the perfect texture while allowing ample cooling time ensures clean slices that showcase your labor’s love. With these tips and techniques in mind, you can create wonderfully moist and flavorful bread that delights family and friends alike! Enjoy experimenting with variations such as different fruits or spices to make this recipe truly unique every time you bake!
Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cream Cheese Cranberry Bread is a mouthwatering loaf that beautifully combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberries. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a festive treat during the holidays. With its moist texture and vibrant color, each slice delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any gathering. The simple preparation process means even novice bakers can create this scrumptious bread with ease. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, the aroma filling your kitchen as you share this delicious creation with family and friends. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of cream cheese spread for an extra indulgence!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
For added flavor, incorporate orange zest or spices like cinnamon.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider incorporating orange zest or spices like cinnamon.- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
