This Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is a moist and festive quick bread, which includes cranberries and a creamy cheesecake-style filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Ina Garten’s Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Make the bread batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bread: Pour half of the bread batter into the pan. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over it, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy at room temperature.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries work well. If using, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before adding. -
How to prevent the bread from being too dense?
Don’t overmix the batter; stir until ingredients are just combined. -
Can I freeze cranberry cream cheese bread?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. -
What other add-ins work?
Chopped pecans, walnuts, or orange zest add extra flavor. -
How to avoid cracks on top of the bread?
Bake in the center of the oven and avoid opening the oven door too early.
What To Serve With Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
This sweet and tangy bread pairs perfectly with:
- Hot coffee or tea
- Whipped cream or mascarpone
- Fresh fruit like oranges or pears
- A holiday brunch spread

How To Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
Refrigerate: Store wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Nutrition Facts (Estimate per slice, 10 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on preparation.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, divide batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling.
Can I add orange flavor to the bread?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for extra brightness.
What type of cranberries work best?
Fresh cranberries give the bread a tart bite, while dried cranberries make it sweeter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans if doubling.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins Recipe
- Ina Garten Strawberry Muffins Recipe
- Ina Garten Tri Berry Muffins Recipe
Ina Garten Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8-10
servings10
minutes50
minutes320
kcalA festive quick bread with tart cranberries and a creamy cheesecake-style filling—perfect for holidays or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 eggs
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½ cup whole milk
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups cranberries
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup sugar
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1 egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; add to dry ingredients. Fold in cranberries.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into pan, spread cream cheese filling, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
