Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf

Description:
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a rich and tender quick bread bursting with tart cranberries and a hint of vanilla. The cream cheese adds a velvety texture and subtle tang, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the loaf. Whether served warm as a breakfast treat or as a festive dessert, this loaf is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season or enjoy cranberries year-round.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

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1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter, and set it aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

6. Fold in Cranberries

• Gently fold in the cranberries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Prepare for Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake the Loaf

• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Serve

• Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

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Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
2. Cranberry Prep: If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them to avoid excess moisture. Tossing cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter can help prevent them from sinking.
3. Pan Preparation: Grease your pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Check Doneness: Start checking the loaf at the 60-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
5. Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

This loaf is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season! 🎄