Welcome to our delightful baking section! Today, we’re sharing a delicious and festive recipe for Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf. This loaf combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, making it perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet treat. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (c.) butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups (c.) sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups (c.) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- 2 cups (c.) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 0.5 cup (c.) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add Cranberries and Pecans
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped pecans (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Loaf
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cream cheese cranberry loaf and serve it as is or with a pat of butter. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter.
- Mixing: Be sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the loaf tender.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking the loaf at around 55 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
Variations
Lemon Glazed Cranberry Loaf
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled loaf. To make the glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Orange Cranberry Loaf
Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. You can also substitute half of the vanilla extract with orange extract.
Cranberry Almond Loaf
Replace the chopped pecans with sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
White Chocolate Cranberry Loaf
Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips along with the cranberries for a sweet and creamy addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries. Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up, then drain before adding to the batter.
How do I store the loaf?
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Note that the texture will be slightly denser.
How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the loaf pan is well-greased and floured, or use parchment paper for easy removal.
What can I serve with this loaf?
This loaf is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream.
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy cranberries and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious loaf with your family and friends!
