Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 55 mins | Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Ingredients
Bread Batter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup orange juice (or milk)
1/4 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Cream Cheese Layer & Glaze
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Prep Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly with butter and flour.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 egg together until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Make Bread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, orange juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.
4. Layer: Spread half of the bread batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top, then cover with the remaining bread batter, gently smoothing the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. If the top browned too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons of milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf before slicing.