Moist, tangy, and filled with festive flavor, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful treat perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy afternoons. With pockets of smooth cream cheese swirled into a soft, buttery loaf bursting with tart cranberries, every bite delivers a delicious balance of sweetness and zing. It’s easy to make, easy to slice, and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive Flavor – Tart cranberries and creamy swirls make it taste like the holidays.
Soft & Moist – Yogurt and butter ensure a tender, rich crumb.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for gifts, potlucks, or breakfast tables.
Freezer-Friendly – Bake now, enjoy later—this loaf stores beautifully.
Easy to Make – Simple steps with bakery-quality results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Loaf Batter:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
Optional Topping:
Coarse sugar
Sliced almonds or extra cranberries for decoration
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5-inch)
Spatula
Whisk
Toothpick or cake tester
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, flour, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each, then stir in vanilla and yogurt.
Step 5: Combine & Add Cranberries
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese
Spread half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in a thick line down the center.
Swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
Top with remaining batter and smooth the surface.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar, sliced almonds, or extra cranberries if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid the cream cheese line when testing).
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Loaf
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the loaf soft.
Use Fresh Cranberries – They give the best tart contrast (but frozen work too).
Swirl Lightly – A gentle swirl gives a pretty marbled effect.
Room Temp Cream Cheese – Makes mixing the filling easier and smoother.
Add Orange Zest – For a bright, citrusy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Breakfast – Serve sliced with coffee or hot chocolate.
Afternoon Tea – A perfect sweet treat with black or herbal tea.
Gift Loaf – Wrap in parchment and tie with string for a beautiful edible gift.
Toasted with Butter – Reheat a slice and add a pat of butter for indulgence.
As Dessert – Add a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keep chilled for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Microwave: Heat slices for 10–15 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using for better texture. - Can I skip the cream cheese swirl?
Of course! The loaf is still delicious without it—just a little less rich. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly. - What can I use instead of yogurt?
Sour cream or buttermilk are great substitutes. - Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Divide into a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes at 350°F.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is the kind of baked good that brings warmth, flavor, and cheer to any day. With its soft crumb, creamy center, and bursts of tart cranberry, it’s a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you bake it for guests, give it as a gift, or enjoy it slice by slice with your morning coffee, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Bake it once, and you’ll make it every year!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 10):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Sodium: 220mg
Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Moist, tangy, and filled with festive flavor, this Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful treat perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy afternoons. With pockets of smooth cream cheese swirled into a soft, buttery loaf bursting with tart cranberries, every bite delivers a delicious balance of sweetness and zing. It’s easy to make, easy to slice, and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Loaf Batter:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
Optional Topping:
Coarse sugar
Sliced almonds or extra cranberries for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, flour, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each, then stir in vanilla and yogurt.
Step 5: Combine & Add Cranberries
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese
Spread half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in a thick line down the center.
Swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
Top with remaining batter and smooth the surface.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar, sliced almonds, or extra cranberries if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid the cream cheese line when testing).
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the loaf soft.
Use Fresh Cranberries – They give the best tart contrast (but frozen work too).
Swirl Lightly – A gentle swirl gives a pretty marbled effect.
Room Temp Cream Cheese – Makes mixing the filling easier and smoother.
Add Orange Zest – For a bright, citrusy twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
