Ina Garten’s Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful quick bread that combines tart cranberries, tangy cream cheese, and a moist, tender crumb. This festive recipe is perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or as a sweet treat with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

What is Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread?

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist loaf cake made with fresh or dried cranberries and a swirl of cream cheese filling. It’s lightly sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced, making it an ideal dessert or snack for any season, especially during the holidays.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Perfect for the holidays: Combines festive flavors in an easy-to-make recipe.
Moist and tender texture: Thanks to the cream cheese swirl and rich batter.
Versatile: Works as breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days and freezes well.
Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or other fruits to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

For the bread:

All-purpose flour: 2 cups.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup.
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
Eggs: 2 large.
Whole milk: 1/2 cup.
Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
Fresh or dried cranberries: 1 1/2 cups.

For the cream cheese filling:

Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup.
Egg: 1 large.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the bread batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the cranberries.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the bread

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese layer gently into the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the bread

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Slice the bread and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Whipped butter: Spread over warm slices for added indulgence.
Cream cheese spread: Enhance the tangy flavor with a light cream cheese topping.
Hot beverages: Pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Fresh fruit: Serve alongside berries or orange slices for a vibrant side.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Use fresh cranberries for tanginess: If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened: This prevents lumps in the filling.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread set and prevents crumbling.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Nutty addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Citrus twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a bright flavor.
Spiced version: Include ground nutmeg or allspice for warm holiday notes.
Glazed finish: Drizzle with a simple orange or vanilla glaze for a sweet touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry cream cheese bread?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. There’s no need to thaw them; just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.

How do I keep the cream cheese layer from sinking?

To prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking, ensure the bottom layer of the batter is evenly spread and thick enough to support the filling. Swirling the cream cheese slightly into the batter also helps.

Can cranberry cream cheese bread be made ahead of time?

Yes, this bread can be made ahead. It stays moist for several days when wrapped tightly and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

Mascarpone cheese or a ricotta-sugar mixture can be used as substitutes for cream cheese, providing a slightly different but equally delicious texture and flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and creamy filling, making it a standout addition to your holiday or everyday baking repertoire.

Give it a try and enjoy this festive favorite!

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