Cranberry Bliss Bread

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice to brighten your morning or complement your holiday spread, look no further than Cranberry Bliss Bread. With its moist, tender crumb, studded with tangy cranberries and drizzled with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee, gifting it to friends and family, or serving it at a festive gathering, this bread’s flavor is sure to please everyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the vibrant colors make it as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’ve been on the lookout for a recipe that captures the magic of the season, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Cranberry Bliss Bread:

• Burst of Flavor: The tart cranberries combined with the sweetness of the bread and the cream cheese glaze create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Festive: The vibrant red of the cranberries and the drizzle of white glaze make it a perfect holiday treat.
• Simple Ingredients: No complicated ingredients—just pantry staples and fresh cranberries.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake it in advance and it keeps wonderfully.
• Great for Gifting: Wrap it up in a festive bag and share it with loved ones for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert.
• Easy to Prepare: Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is simple and straightforward.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices (1 loaf)
• Calories per slice: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 2g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Cranberry Bliss Bread:

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for extra sweetness)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cranberry Bliss Bread:

Make the Bread Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips, if using. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Bread

1. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Once done, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, make the glaze by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
2. Adjust Consistency: Add milk, a little at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency—smooth but not too runny.

Drizzle the Glaze

1. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your Cranberry Bliss Bread immediately, or store it for later.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving Cranberry Bliss Bread:

1. With Coffee or Tea: This bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Gifting: Wrap slices of the bread in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an adorable holiday gift.
3. On a Festive Table: Place slices on a serving platter alongside other holiday treats for a cheerful spread.
4. As a Dessert: Serve the bread as a dessert at a holiday dinner. The cream cheese glaze adds a touch of decadence.
5. Make It a Sandwich: Slice the bread thin and use it to make a unique sandwich—perhaps with a bit of cream cheese and smoked turkey for an unexpected twist.
6. Warm It Up: Serve it warm from the oven or slightly toasted for a cozy, comforting treat.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Cranberry Bliss Bread with these helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, but if you only have dried cranberries, that will work as well. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar since dried cranberries are usually sweeter.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter just enough to combine the ingredients—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bread.
4. Double the Batch: If you want to share this delicious treat, double the recipe and bake two loaves. They freeze beautifully too!
5. Mix-in Ideas: Feel free to add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
6. Store Properly: Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It can also be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
7. Adjust the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a more drizzly glaze, add more milk.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Cranberry Bliss Bread by trying these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the soft bread.
• Orange Zest: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or nutmeg for a deeper, spicier flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the bread batter for an autumn-inspired variation.
• Swirl the Glaze: For a fun look, swirl the cream cheese glaze with a bit of cranberry sauce for a colorful, tart contrast.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Cranberry Bliss Bread:

• Room Temperature: Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, store the bread in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen bread at room temperature before serving, and reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven for a fresh, just-baked taste.

Special Equipment

These kitchen tools will help you make the best Cranberry Bliss Bread:

• Loaf Pan: For baking the bread.
• Mixing Bowls: To combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: For beating the butter and sugar together to a creamy consistency.
• Wire Rack: To cool the bread properly.
• Spoon or Piping Bag: To drizzle the cream cheese glaze on top.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Cranberry Bliss Bread:

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, dried cranberries will work well in this recipe. Just reduce the sugar slightly to account for their added sweetness.
• How do I make the glaze thicker? Simply reduce the amount of milk you add, or add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
• Can I add other fruit to the bread? Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples could be delicious additions.
• Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the bread ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

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conclusion

Now that you’ve got this Cranberry Bliss Bread recipe, it’s time to try it out and enjoy every delicious bite. Whether you’re looking for something to share with friends, serve at a holiday gathering, or indulge in yourself, this bread checks all the boxes. I hope it becomes a go-to recipe that fills your home with warmth, and maybe even a few sweet memories.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!