The Bakery-Style Loaf Everyone Will Ask You For

There’s something magical about cranberries baked into a soft, rich loaf. The bright pops of tartness melt into a buttery crumb, while cream cheese adds subtle tang and incredible moisture.

This loaf is:

• Ultra moist
• Perfectly balanced sweet and tart
• Rich without being heavy
• Gorgeous when sliced
• Ideal for gifting

And yes… it’s neighbor-approved.

When you bring this to someone’s door, expect a recipe request before you get home.

Why Cream Cheese Makes This Loaf So Special

Cream cheese does three important things:

1. Adds tangy depth of flavor
2. Creates ultra-moist texture
3. Gives a soft, tender crumb

It transforms this from “just cranberry bread” into something that tastes bakery-level luxurious.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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Yield: 10–12 slices
Pan: 9×5-inch loaf pan

For the Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf Batter

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing cranberries)

Optional Sweet Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat:

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

Mix until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavorings

Beat in eggs one at a time.

Mix in:

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Step 5: Alternate Wet & Dry

Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk.

Mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 6: Prepare Cranberries

Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour.

This prevents sinking.

Fold gently into batter.

Step 7: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Smooth the top.

Bake 55–65 minutes.

If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Cool 15 minutes before removing.

Step 8: Optional Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla.

Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Let set before slicing.

Texture & Flavor Profile

This loaf is:

Moist and tender
Lightly dense (in a good way)
Bright from cranberries
Tangy from cream cheese
Sweet but balanced

Each bite has pockets of juicy cranberry against a buttery backdrop.

Why People Love This Loaf

• It’s beautiful when sliced
• It tastes festive
• It stays moist for days
• It’s easy to make
• It’s perfect for gifting

It’s the kind of loaf you wrap in parchment and ribbon.

Storage & Make Ahead

Room temperature: 3 days airtight
Refrigerator: 5 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly up to 2 months

Flavor deepens overnight.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 12 slices)

Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 160mg

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Holiday brunch spreads
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

Also makes beautiful mini loaves for gifting.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients.
• Do not overmix.
• Toss cranberries in flour.
• Cool fully before slicing.
• Add orange zest for citrus variation.

Interactive Moment

If you bake this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf…

Save it on Pinterest and tag me:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tell me in the comments:

Do you prefer glaze… or plain with powdered sugar?

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