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.

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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

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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