Ina Garten’s Tangy Cranberry Dream: Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Soft, tangy cream cheese meets vibrant cranberry in this Ina Garten cranberry cream cheese bread that promises pure comfort.

Warm bakeries and cozy kitchens inspire this delightful recipe.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

The bread boasts a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Golden edges hint at the delectable interior waiting to be savored.

Seasonal fruits and creamy cheese combine in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a bread that turns ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and creates tender texture for the bread.
• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, tangy undertone and helps create a moist crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with caramelization during baking.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the bread, creating soft and consistent texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cranberries: Adds tart burst of flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Pecans: Introduces crunchy texture and nutty depth to the bread.

Tools to Prepare Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating butter, cream cheese, and creating fluffy batter.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for sifting and combining dry ingredients.
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Great for evenly distributing flour, baking powder, and salt.
• 9×5-inch loaf pans: Provides the ideal shape and size for baking the bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps fold in cranberries and pecans gently.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick or cake tester: Helps check bread's doneness by testing center.

Instructions to Bake Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Preparation Foundation

Gather all necessary baking tools and equipment for a smooth cooking experience. Warm your kitchen and create a welcoming baking atmosphere.

• Creamy Base Creation

Blend softened butter and cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until silky and uniform. Incorporate sugar and vanilla, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy.

• Egg Integration

Gently introduce eggs one by one, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should look smooth and consistent.

• Flour Magic

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate container. Carefully fold these dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture.

• Fruity and Nutty Touches

Tenderly mix chopped cranberries and optional pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

• Baking Journey

Pour the batter into well-greased loaf pans. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake until a testing skewer emerges clean, signaling perfect doneness.

• Cooling Finale

Allow the bread to rest in pans briefly before transferring to a cooling rack. Let the bread settle and develop its full flavor profile before slicing and serving.

Extra Tips for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Soak dried cranberries in orange juice or Grand Marnier for 15 minutes before adding to intensify their tangy sweetness.
• Drizzle a simple orange or lemon glaze over cooled bread by mixing powdered sugar with citrus juice for an extra layer of brightness.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and add a nutty undertone to the bread.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 months to enjoy later – just thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Slice and Serve Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Slice and Savor Breakfast Delight: Pair this cranberry cream cheese bread with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that will jumpstart your day.
• Elevate Afternoon Snacking: Serve thin slices with a dollop of extra cream cheese or a spread of butter to make a quick and satisfying afternoon snack that feels indulgent.
• Create Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the bread with powdered sugar and add a few fresh cranberries on the side to transform this bread into an elegant dessert perfect for entertaining guests.
• Gift with Love: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal care and culinary skill.

Save Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread for Later

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store your cranberry cream cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delightful treat is always within reach.
• Room Temperature Tip: Let the bread sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and softness, allowing the ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Slice and Serve Strategy: Cut the bread into uniform slices before storing, making it easy to grab a quick snack or breakfast whenever hunger strikes.

Festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cranberry cream cheese bread combines tangy cream cheese with festive cranberries in a moist, delightful quick bread. Bakers can savor rich flavors and simple preparation, making this recipe perfect for holiday gatherings or morning treats.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (227 grams / 8 oz) butter, softened
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups (354 ml) sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473 ml) cranberries, fresh or frozen, roughly chopped
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with center rack positioned for optimal heat circulation.
2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and silky, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Egg Integration: Blend whole eggs into the creamy mixture one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, maintaining a delicate touch to prevent overmixing, then carefully incorporate cranberries and pecans for even distribution.
6. Pan Preparation: Generously grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray, evenly spreading the batter and smoothing the surface.
7. Baking Process: Slide pans into preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a clean toothpick that comes out free of raw batter.
8. Cooling and Finishing: Let loaves rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that guarantees a silky texture.
• Handle Batter Gently: Minimize stirring when combining wet and dry ingredients to prevent tough, dense bread by avoiding gluten development.
• Cranberry Distribution Technique: Lightly dust chopped cranberries with flour before adding to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the bread.
• Toothpick Test Precision: Check bread doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with minimal to no crumbs for perfect baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg