Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread with Vanilla Glaze

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Got it 👍 The dish in the image looks like a Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread with Vanilla Glaze – soft, moist bread filled with tangy cranberries, a rich cream cheese swirl, and topped with a light glaze. Below, I’ll create a complete big recipe including introduction, ingredients, step-by-step methods, history, benefits, formation, nutrition, conclusion, and “lovers” appeal.

🍒 Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread with Vanilla Glaze

📖 Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful fusion of tart cranberries, velvety cream cheese filling, and tender sweet bread. It strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making it a festive treat during the holidays or a luxurious breakfast loaf any time of year. The cream cheese swirl inside keeps the bread moist and rich, while the glaze on top adds a finishing touch of sweetness. This recipe is cherished by families who love both comfort food and elegant desserts.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Bread Batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if dried, soak in warm water 10 minutes)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  • Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

  • In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Fold in cranberries gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

  • Pour half of the bread batter into the loaf pan.
  • Spread the cream cheese filling evenly.
  • Top with the remaining batter, smoothing the surface.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (some cream cheese may stick, that’s fine).
  • Let cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 6: Glaze

  • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread before slicing.

🕰 History

Cranberries are native to North America and were traditionally harvested by Native Americans for food and medicinal purposes. Cream cheese, originating in the United States in the late 1800s, became a popular baking ingredient in the 20th century. Combining cranberries with cream cheese in bread became a festive favorite, especially in the U.S. and Europe, where cranberry desserts are strongly associated with Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations.

🌱 Benefits

  • Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and support urinary tract health.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides calcium and protein (though high in fat, so best in moderation).
  • Sour Cream/Yogurt: Adds probiotics and moisture.
  • Homemade Bread: Fresher, no preservatives, healthier than store-bought.

🏗 Formation

This bread is a quick bread, meaning it doesn’t require yeast or rising time. Instead, baking powder and baking soda give it lift. The layering of cream cheese filling inside makes it visually stunning when sliced.

❤️ Lovers Appeal

This bread is beloved by:

  • Holiday Bakers – perfect for Christmas morning or Thanksgiving dessert.
  • Cheesecake Lovers – it tastes like cheesecake wrapped in bread.
  • Tea & Coffee Lovers – pairs beautifully with a warm drink.
  • Family Gatherings – slices beautifully for sharing.

🔢 Nutrition (per slice, approx. 12 slices)

  • Calories: 290
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g

🏁 Conclusion

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread with Vanilla Glaze is more than a dessert – it’s a comfort food classic that brings warmth, festivity, and joy to the table. With its creamy filling, tart cranberries, and sweet glaze, it is loved by both adults and children. Serve it fresh, gift it to loved ones, or enjoy it with your morning coffee – this bread is sure to win hearts.

Would you like me to also give you a festive variation list (like Orange-Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread, or Chocolate Cranberry Bread) so you can make different versions of this same recipe?

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