Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

The Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is soft, sweet and slightly tangy. It is perfect for breakfast or holiday treats.

This bread has creamy swirls of cream cheese and bright cranberries throughout. The flavors are balanced and comforting. You can bake it easily at home. Families and friends love it.

Today, I will show How to make Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread step by step. You will also learn the best Ingredients for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread and tips to bake perfectly every time.

My Experience With This Recipe

I baked this bread for a weekend brunch. The aroma filled the kitchen. The bread came out golden and soft.

Each slice had a beautiful cream cheese swirl. The cranberries added a tart contrast to the sweet batter. My family loved it with coffee.

It was moist and not too heavy. I liked how simple the steps were. This recipe is now a favorite for holidays and cozy mornings.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
• Servings: 10 slices
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 70 mins
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 320 kcal per slice

Equipment List

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Oven

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter, softened – ½ cup
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Milk – ½ cup
• Fresh or frozen cranberries – 1 cup
• Cream cheese, softened – 8 ounces
• Powdered sugar – ¼ cup
• Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside while mixing ingredients.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Ensure ingredients are well combined. Set aside to keep ready for batter.

3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside for layering.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Use a mixer or whisk. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

5. Add Vanilla and Milk

Stir in vanilla extract and milk. Mix gently until smooth. Do not overmix. This keeps the batter light and soft.

6. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Add flour mixture gradually. Fold gently with a spatula. Stop when batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender bread.

7. Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter. Stir lightly to distribute evenly. Cranberries should stay whole for bursts of tart flavor.

8. Layer Batter and Cream Cheese

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Add cream cheese mixture in dollops. Pour remaining batter on top. Swirl lightly with a knife.

9. Bake the Bread

Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. The top should be golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

10. Cool and Slice

Remove bread from oven. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Slice after fully cooled.

Read More: Ina Garten Guinness Brown Bread Recipe

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Use fresh cranberries for bright flavor.
• Do not overmix batter; it keeps bread soft.
• Soften cream cheese for easy mixing.
• Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Swirl cream cheese gently for pretty layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking makes bread dry.
• Using frozen cranberries without tossing in flour can sink them.
• Overmixing batter can make it dense.
• Not preheating the oven affects even baking.
• Skipping parchment paper may stick bread to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices slightly warm with butter or cream cheese. Pair with coffee or tea. Add fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. Perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings.

Variations You Can Try

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
• Swap cranberries for raspberries or blueberries.
• Drizzle glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Make mini loaves for gifts or parties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for three days.
• Refrigerate for up to five days to extend freshness.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month.
• Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.
• Microwave single slices for 15–20 seconds for quick warmth.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	5 g
Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Sugar	22 g

Health Benefits

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They support urinary tract health and immune function.

Using moderate sugar keeps it a balanced treat. This bread provides energy and a cozy, satisfying flavor for breakfast or snack time.

Read More: Ina Garten Banana Nut Bread Recipe

FAQs about Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

1. Can I make Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day for fresh, delicious bread with perfect cream cheese swirls.

2. How to make Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread less sweet?
Reduce granulated sugar to ¾ cup. Powdered sugar for cream cheese can also be lowered slightly without affecting texture.

3. What Ingredients for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread are most important?
Fresh cranberries and cream cheese are key. They give tartness and creamy texture. Properly softened butter keeps bread tender.

4. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, toss them lightly in flour before folding into batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

5. Can I make this bread in mini loaf pans?
Absolutely! Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes. Perfect for gifts or small gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is easy, delicious and perfect for any occasion.

You now know How to make Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread at home. Using simple Ingredients for Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread, you can create a soft, flavorful bread everyone will love.

Try it for breakfast, brunch, or holidays. Enjoy the creamy, tart, and sweet combination in every slice!