Heavenly Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Baking this delightful cranberry-pecan cream cheese bread brings pure comfort to my kitchen.

Seasonal ingredients transform ordinary moments into something magical.

Tart cranberries dance alongside crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures.

Soft cream cheese weaves richness through every delectable slice.

Sweet and tangy notes promise a memorable breakfast or afternoon treat.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and indulgence.

Mixing this recipe will spark joy and fill your home with irresistible aromas.

Come discover a bread that feels like a warm hug from the oven.

Why Cranberry-Pecan Bread Is So Comforting and Easy

• Savor Seasonal Delights: Packed with fresh cranberries and pecans, this bread captures the essence of cozy comfort and festive flavors.
• Master Baking with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or dessert – this bread transitions beautifully between meals and occasions, delighting everyone who takes a bite.
• Enjoy Rich Texture and Flavor: Cream cheese adds incredible moisture and richness, while cranberries provide tangy brightness and pecans contribute delightful crunch and nutty depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry-Pecan Bread

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, fluffy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the bread its shape and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other ingredients.

• Pecans, Cranberries: Add delightful crunch, tartness, and textural contrast to the soft bread.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cranberry-Pecan Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and butter until they form a smooth, silky mixture. The key is to create a luxurious, creamy foundation for your bread.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk in sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes light, airy, and beautifully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

This step ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and lump-free.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a light touch to create a consistent batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Chopped pecans
• Fresh cranberries

Distribute these delightful ingredients evenly throughout the batter for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface for perfect baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to set.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the bread and savor the rich, moist texture with bursts of cranberry and pecan in every delectable bite. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Cranberry-Pecan Bread

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep the bread tender and light, avoiding tough or dense texture.
• Check Moisture Levels: Use fresh, plump cranberries and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid from making the bread soggy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature for smoother blending and better incorporation.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread – if it comes out with just a few crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked and moist.
• Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Sweet and Savory Bread Swaps to Try

• Citrus Zinger: Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the bread's flavor profile, enhancing the cranberry's tanginess with a subtle citrus undertone.
• Chocolate Chip Upgrade: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent contrast against the tart cranberries and rich cream cheese.
• Maple Pecan Spin: Replace sugar with maple syrup and top the bread with a maple glaze, intensifying the nutty pecan notes and adding depth to the sweetness.
• Spiced Berry Blend: Mix in dried blueberries alongside cranberries and increase ground cinnamon, creating a more complex berry and spice combination.

Great Pairings for Cranberry-Pecan Bread

• Pair Creamy Orange Liqueur: Drizzle a smooth orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau over each bread slice to enhance the citrusy undertones and complement the cranberry's tartness.
• Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a rich, aromatic chai latte with cinnamon and cardamom to mirror the bread's warm spice profile and create a cozy flavor harmony.
• Classic Maple Butter Spread: Whip softened butter with pure maple syrup to create a decadent spread that amplifies the bread's nutty pecan notes and adds luxurious sweetness.
• Holiday Mulled Wine: Serve a gently warmed mulled wine with hints of clove and orange zest, perfectly balancing the bread's complex flavors and adding festive warmth.

Best Ways to Store This Cozy Bread

• Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve moisture and prevents quick spoilage.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and soft texture.
• Cut the bread into individual slices before freezing. Place wax paper between each slice to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for convenient single-serving portions.
• Keep the bread covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap, ensuring it stays moist and fresh for quick snacking.

Questions About Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread

• Why use cream cheese in the bread recipe?

Cream cheese adds rich, tangy moisture and creates an incredibly soft, tender texture that makes the bread extra delectable and prevents dryness.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but don’t thaw them first. Add frozen cranberries directly to the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape during baking.

• How do I prevent cranberries and pecans from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chopped cranberries and pecans in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps prevent them from sinking during baking.

Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cranberry-pecan cream cheese bread brings warm comfort to winter mornings with its delightful blend of tangy berries and crunchy nuts. Rich cream cheese creates a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making this bread perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 8 oz cream cheese

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well-blended.
3. Whisk in sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Separately sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a consistent batter without overmixing.
6. Carefully fold in chopped pecans and fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve the cranberry-pecan cream cheese bread, enjoying the rich, moist texture and burst of fruity, nutty flavors.

Notes

• Prevent cranberries and pecans from sinking by tossing them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurement and mixing technique.
• To enhance moisture and richness, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients, creating an extra tender crumb.
• Extend the bread’s freshness by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg