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A slice of cranberry bread with a cream cheese swirl on a wood surface.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Megan Weimer
This cranberry cream cheese bread is a moist, festive pound cake with tart cranberries and a cheesecake swirl. It's a perfect treat for the holiday season!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast and Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 596.7 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
 
 

Cream Cheese Filling

Cranberry Bread

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Cream Cheese Filling

  • Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a medium bowl for 1-2 minutes on medium speed, followed by an egg, vanilla extract, and flour. Set aside.
    226 grams cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Cranberry Bread

  • Add softened butter and granulated sugar to a separate large bowl. Beat together on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
    226 grams unsalted butter, 200 grams granulated sugar
  • With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, then beat in the sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract.
    3 large eggs, 120 grams sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until a few dry streaks remain, then gently fold in the cranberries until just combined.
    240 grams all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 100 grams fresh cranberries
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Then, carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the batter. Spread it into an even layer.
  • Pour the remaining cranberry batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife to swirl the batter a few times.
  • Bake for 60-75 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Take the bread out of the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
  • Once the loaf is completely cool, slice and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe makes a lot of batter, so use a 9X5-inch loaf pan with at least a 1 pound capacity. It will overflow in a smaller pan.
When layering the cream cheese mixture, try to keep it away from the edges.
If the top browns before the loaf is fully baked, cover with aluminum foil.
Storage:  Store the whole loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it sit out on the counter before serving to reach room temperature.
Freezing: Once completely cool, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature on the counter before serving.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 596.7kcalCarbohydrates: 56.5gProtein: 8.5gFat: 38.1gSaturated Fat: 22.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 472.7mgPotassium: 140.2mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 30.4gVitamin A: 1305.1IUVitamin C: 1.9mgCalcium: 97.4mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!