Baking a delicious loaf of bread doesn’t have to be intimidating, and this Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a delightful snack. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking to add a new recipe to your repertoire, this bread is incredibly easy to make and yields mouthwatering results. I remember the first time I made this bread—it came out perfectly golden, moist, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the creamy richness of cream cheese is truly magical. This recipe doesn’t require any special skills or complicated techniques, and it’s a fantastic way to build your baking confidence.
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Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread: A Beginner-Friendly Delight
Tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy swirl of cream cheese make this moist bread an irresistible treat! Perfect for beginners and holiday vibes! 🍒🥖🧀
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (c.) butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups (c.) sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups (c.) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- 2 cups (c.) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 0.5 cup (c.) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven and loaf pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans. If you prefer mini loaves, use four smaller pans, which will need about 40 minutes to bake.
2. Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth texture in your bread.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. You should have a light and airy mixture by the time the eggs and vanilla are fully blended.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dry ingredients, which helps the bread rise consistently.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the cranberries and pecans: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped pecans (if using). Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. You want to keep the cranberries intact so that they don’t break apart too much during baking, as this will help maintain their tartness.
7. Divide the batter into loaf pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Spread the batter out evenly with a spatula. If you’re using mini loaf pans, divide the batter accordingly and adjust your baking time to around 40 minutes.
8. Bake the bread: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes (or 40 minutes for mini loaves), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of the loaf pans, so keep an eye on the bread. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
9. Cool and serve: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it into thick, hearty pieces and serve.
Notes
1. Don’t skip the creaming step: Beating the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy is a crucial part of creating a smooth, airy batter. This step helps the bread rise properly and ensures it has the right texture.
2. Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are essential for success. Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or ensure you’re using the correct cup measurement for dry and wet ingredients.
3. Check for doneness: The best way to test if your bread is done is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, return the bread to the oven for a few more minutes.
4. Use room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be lumpy and affect the texture of the bread.
5. Customization: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or other dried fruits for a unique twist.
6. Baking times may vary: Different ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. If you’re using a dark-colored pan, it may cook faster, so start checking around 40 minutes for mini pans and 50 minutes for regular loaf pans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
What makes this bread so great for beginners? For one, it uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The method is straightforward, and with just a few simple steps, you can have a freshly baked loaf ready to enjoy in under two hours. Plus, this recipe allows for customization—whether you prefer to leave out the pecans or experiment with different fruits or nuts, this bread will adapt to your taste. Most importantly, it’s a perfect treat to serve guests, bring to a potluck, or enjoy as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Let’s dive into the details of this easy, flavorful recipe that you can master in no time.
Ingredients and Preparation
To get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable bread. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility, so if you’re missing a few items, don’t be afraid to make substitutions. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (c.) butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups (c.) sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups (c.) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- 2 cups (c.) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 0.5 cup (c.) chopped pecans (optional)
This recipe calls for the essentials: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, with the addition of cranberries for a burst of tartness and pecans for crunch. The cream cheese adds an incredibly rich and moist texture to the bread, making it perfect for both sweet and savory variations.
Preparation:
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread will bake evenly from the moment you place it in the oven. Also, remember to grease your loaf pans to prevent the bread from sticking.
You can make a few substitutions based on your preferences. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as a substitute. You can also experiment with dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen, though fresh cranberries provide a nice burst of flavor when baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get baking. This recipe is broken down into clear, manageable steps to make it easy for you to follow, even if you’re new to the kitchen.
1. Prepare the oven and loaf pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans. If you prefer mini loaves, use four smaller pans, which will need about 40 minutes to bake.
2. Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth texture in your bread.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. You should have a light and airy mixture by the time the eggs and vanilla are fully blended.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dry ingredients, which helps the bread rise consistently.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the cranberries and pecans: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped pecans (if using). Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. You want to keep the cranberries intact so that they don’t break apart too much during baking, as this will help maintain their tartness.
7. Divide the batter into loaf pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Spread the batter out evenly with a spatula. If you’re using mini loaf pans, divide the batter accordingly and adjust your baking time to around 40 minutes.
8. Bake the bread: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes (or 40 minutes for mini loaves), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of the loaf pans, so keep an eye on the bread. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
9. Cool and serve: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it into thick, hearty pieces and serve.
Beginner Tips and Notes
Baking bread can be a learning process, especially if you’re new to the kitchen. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t skip the creaming step: Beating the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy is a crucial part of creating a smooth, airy batter. This step helps the bread rise properly and ensures it has the right texture.
2. Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are essential for success. Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or ensure you’re using the correct cup measurement for dry and wet ingredients.
3. Check for doneness: The best way to test if your bread is done is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, return the bread to the oven for a few more minutes.
4. Use room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be lumpy and affect the texture of the bread.
5. Customization: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or other dried fruits for a unique twist.
6. Baking times may vary: Different ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. If you’re using a dark-colored pan, it may cook faster, so start checking around 40 minutes for mini pans and 50 minutes for regular loaf pans.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread is out of the oven, it’s time to think about how to enjoy it! This bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with some complementary sides or toppings.
1. Enjoy with a hot beverage: A warm slice of this bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa. It’s the perfect afternoon snack or breakfast companion.
2. Add a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese: For extra indulgence, serve the bread with a spread of whipped cream or a light cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully.
3. Serve as part of a breakfast spread: This bread can also be served alongside a fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a breakfast smoothie. It’s a great addition to any brunch menu.
4. Gift it: If you’re in the mood for gift-giving, slice the bread into portions and wrap them up with a nice ribbon. It makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Engagement Features
Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, I’d love to hear about your baking experience! Did you customize the bread with different fruits or nuts? How did it turn out? Drop a comment below and let me know. Sharing your experiences not only helps others but also creates a supportive community of beginner bakers. Don’t forget to share your pictures—seeing the end result of your hard work is always rewarding.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with loved ones, this Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese Bread will surely be a hit. So, grab your mixing bowl and get baking—you’ve got this!