Experience the perfect balance of creamy richness and tart cranberry flavor with our Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf recipe. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf is a must-try. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, cream cheese, and fresh cranberries, it’s both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking for a delightful treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
1. Ingredients
Before you embark on your baking journey, ensure you have the following ingredients at hand:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 18 oz. package cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
2. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring effortless release once your loaf is baked to perfection.
3. Creamy Creation
In a large bowl, using a mixer, blend together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated.
4. Blend Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
5. Marry Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a homogeneous batter forms. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Introduce Cranberry Bliss
Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter, infusing each bite with bursts of tangy sweetness.
7. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked to golden perfection, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delectable treat that marries the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberries, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a morning indulgence with a cup of coffee or as a sweet finale to a festive meal, this loaf is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and savor the magic of this irresistible creation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
- Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding them to the batter.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?
- While cream cheese adds a unique richness to this loaf, you can experiment with substitutes like Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
How should I store the leftover loaf?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Can I add nuts to the batter for extra crunch?
- Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a delightful addition to this recipe, providing a satisfying crunch alongside the tart cranberries.
Can I freeze the baked loaf for later consumption?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooled loaf in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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