Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf, a delectable treat that's perfect for any time of the year, not just during the festive holiday season. This irresistible bread combines the tangy essence of cranberries with the rich and creamy texture of cream cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Simple to prepare and bursting with festive cheer, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Follow these easy steps to create your own Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf and relish the joy of homemade baking.
Let's Get Baking
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups regular flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw if using frozen)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup sugar, one egg, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
- Add the cranberries, nuts, and ¾ cup sugar to the dry ingredients. Toss the mixture to ensure the cranberries and nuts are evenly coated and distributed in the flour mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until the flour is coated. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, then cover it with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf in slices, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Share the joy by gifting this delightful bread during the holiday season.
