If you’re looking for the perfect Cranberry Bread Recipe, this fresh cranberry bread with cream cheese frosting is precisely what you need! Bursting with tart, juicy cranberries, and a luscious frosting, it’s wonderful for the holidays or any time of year. If you don’t have fresh cranberries, this recipe also works beautifully with dried cranberries. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
This bread is not only easy to bake but also versatile. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or serve it as a festive dessert, the cream cheese frosting elevates this classic recipe to something truly special. Packed with flavor and customizable to suit your taste, it’s a must-try for any home baker.
If you need a festive yet easy dessert, this cranberry bread is a perfect choice. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy its surprising flavor at any gathering.
s
Ingredients For Fresh Cranberry Bread
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and stability to the bread.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients to enhance leavening.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
- Flour: Prevents the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- White chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the tangy cranberries.
For the Vanilla Frosting
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy and creamy base to the frosting.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes richness and smoothness to the glaze.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Milk (for desired consistency): Adjust the texture to make the glaze spreadable or drizzle-ready.
How to Make Cranberry Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix the sour cream and milk into the butter mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
To prevent the cranberries from sinking, toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter along with the white chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
- Cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Powdered sugar and vanilla: Mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Milk: Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optional: Garnish with fresh sugared cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest.
Step 9: How to Sugar Cranberries
- Wash and dry: Wash the cranberries thoroughly and pat them completely dry.
- Coat in agave syrup: Place the cranberries in a bowl of agave syrup and toss to coat.
- Roll in sugar: Roll the syrup-coated cranberries in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Dry: Allow the sugared cranberries to dry on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour.
Cranberry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tbsp flour Use for coating cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting
- ½ cup cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Cranberry Bread Batter
- Preheat and PreparePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry IngredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and SugarIn a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsMix the sour cream and milk into the butter mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the CranberriesTo prevent the cranberries from sinking, toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter along with the white chocolate chips.
- BakePour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the FrostingCream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.Powdered sugar and vanilla: Mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Sugar Cranberries:
- Wash and dry: Wash the cranberries thoroughly and pat them completely dry.Coat in agave syrup: Place the cranberries in a bowl of agave syrup and toss to coat.Roll in sugar: Roll the syrup-coated cranberries in granulated sugar until evenly coated.Dry: Allow the sugared cranberries to dry on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour.
- Frost the CakeOnce the cake is thoroughly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optional: Garnish with fresh sugared cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique Flavor Combination
Fresh cranberries’ tartness balances the batter’s sweetness, creating a tangy and sweet loaf.
Easy to Make
This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Festive for the Holidays
With its vibrant cranberries and optional white chocolate, this loaf is visually and flavorfully perfect for holiday celebrations.
Customizable Add-Ins
You can easily tweak the recipe by adding white chocolate, nuts, or orange zest to suit personal tastes.
Moist and Tender Texture
Sour cream or Greek yogurt ensures the loaf stays soft and moist, even days after baking.
Cream Cheese Frosting
The frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and sophistication, appealing to both kids and adults.
Great for Gifting
Wrapped up, this cranberry bread makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift during the holiday season.
Versatile Use
Serve it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or festive dessert—it fits any time and occasion.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
Both fresh and frozen cranberries work beautifully. If using frozen, don’t thaw them to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Add More White Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Add more white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the batter for extra flavor.
Store Properly
You can keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
While fresh or frozen cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can substitute dried cranberries. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before adding to the batter to plump them up. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
To prevent the frozen cranberries from sinking, toss them in 1 tablespoon of flour, just like fresh ones.
Increase the Flour Coating, Toss the frozen cranberries with up to 2 tablespoons of flour instead of 1 to absorb any excess moisture.
Account for Additional Moisture: Slightly reduce the milk in the batter by 1 tablespoon to balance the added liquid from the cranberries.
Bake Thoroughly: Bake bread until a toothpick comes out clean, as the extra moisture might extend the baking time slightly.
Why This Cranberry Bread Is Perfect for Gifting
Homemade cranberry bread makes a thoughtful and festive gift. Wrap it in parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and add a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
Custom Add-Ons for Cranberry Bread
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Orange Zest: A teaspoon of orange zest enhances the tartness and gives a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Dried Cranberries: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, spiced note to the bread.
- Shredded Coconut: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the tart cranberries.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a rich, bittersweet contrast.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this Cranberry Bread Recipe, be sure to check out some of my other baked goods that are just as delightful:
- Moist Pumpkin Bread: Packed with warm spices and a tender crumb, this bread is perfect for cozy autumn days.
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread: A rich and decadent treat for chocolate lovers, with the perfect balance of bananas and cocoa.
- Coffee Crumb Cake: This buttery cake, topped with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, is ideal for pairing with your morning coffee.
Each recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Click through to explore these crowd-pleasing favorites and elevate your baking game!
This Cranberry Bread Recipe is a must-try for the holiday season. Its delightful combination of flavors, easy preparation, and stunning presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Bake it for your family, gift it to friends, or serve it at your next holiday gathering.
Thank you so much for stopping by! Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with delicious treats! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Happy baking! 🍰✨
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
- My Favorite Flower Inspiration - May 24, 2025
- Outdoor Oval Rugs and More - May 21, 2025
- My Favorite Chocolate Recipes - May 17, 2025
Leave a Reply