Certainly! A Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf is a delightful combination of rich cream cheese, tart cranberries, and a sweet bread base. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Streusel Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Bread Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the cranberry filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter, spreading it to cover the cranberry layer.
5. Optional Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold cubed butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve:
- Once completely cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf!
This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a delicious sweet treat.