Cranberry Bliss Bread

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Cranberry Bliss Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of cranberries, orange zest, and sweet glaze baking in the oven. This Cranberry Bliss Bread has become a must-have treat in our home, especially during the cooler months. It all started when I was craving the flavors of the iconic holiday coffee-shop bar but wanted something I could bake and share. That’s when this bread was born—a soft, moist loaf packed with sweet-tart cranberries, a hint of citrus, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

The first time I made this, I wasn’t sure how my family would react. Let’s just say there wasn’t much left to put away. My kids loved the sweet topping and cranberries, while my husband declared it “better than anything store-bought.” Since then, it’s been a staple for gatherings, gift-giving, and cozy weekend mornings with coffee.

What I adore most is how easy it is to make, even for a busy mom like me. The ingredients are simple, and it’s flexible enough to whip up even when life gets hectic. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that just screams “holiday cheer,” making it perfect for entertaining. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s equal parts indulgent and easy, this one’s for you!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries give the bread a tangier flavor, but you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance it out.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread stores beautifully! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute almond or coconut milk for regular milk.

4. What can I use instead of orange zest?
Lemon zest works wonderfully, or you can skip it altogether, though the citrus adds a lovely brightness.

5. How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?
Toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This trick works like magic!

What You Need to Make Cranberry Bliss Bread:

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange

½ cup milk

1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh)

For the Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1–2 tbsp milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

Extra dried cranberries for topping

Tools:

Mixing bowls

Hand or stand mixer

Loaf pan (9×5-inch)

Zester or microplane

How to Make It:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and orange zest.

Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined.

Fold in the cranberries: Toss cranberries with a bit of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing.

Make the glaze: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over the cooled bread and top with extra cranberries.

Tips:

Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Stir just until the ingredients come together.

Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures everything blends smoothly.

Make it your own: Add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.

Serve at room temperature: The flavors really shine when the bread isn’t too cold.

Latest Reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was a hit at our Thanksgiving brunch! My guests kept asking for the recipe.” – Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Loved the flavor, but next time I’ll use fresh cranberries for an extra zing.” – Kelly T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super easy to make and tastes just like the coffee-shop version! My new go-to holiday treat.” – Megan L.

⭐⭐⭐ “It was good, but the glaze was a bit too sweet for my taste. I’ll cut back on the powdered sugar next time.” – Daniel P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My kids devoured it! This will definitely be on repeat in our house.” – Emily G.

Printable Recipe:

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