Go Back

Cranberry Bread with Cream Cheese Spread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cranberry bread wafting through the kitchen. Paired with a smooth, tangy cream cheese spread, this loaf is the ultimate balance of tart cranberries and soft, tender bread. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a festive holiday treat, this recipe is comfort and elegance in every slice.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Cranberry Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup orange juice freshly squeezed, if possible
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest optional, for extra brightness
  • 1 ½ cups cranberries fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • For the Cream Cheese Spread:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ an orange optional, for flavor

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together orange juice, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
  • Bring It Together: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. Batter should be slightly thick.
  • Fold in Add-Ins: Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using). Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
  • Bake the Bread: Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Stir in orange zest if desired.
  • Serve: Slice the cooled cranberry bread, spread with cream cheese mixture, and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!