Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll quickly fall head over heels for this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe. It’s that magical loaf that combines tart dried cranberries with sweet white chocolate, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery bread with a luscious vanilla glaze on top. Honestly, it reminds me of that festive Starbucks treat but better — homemade with love, right in your own kitchen. Stick with me here, and I’ll share all the secrets so your loaf turns out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get the texture and flavor just right, I stick to quality ingredients that work harmoniously — the whole wheat flour adds a subtle nuttiness, and the buttermilk ensures the bread stays incredibly moist. I always recommend checking your dried cranberries for sweetness levels and picking high-quality white chocolate chips for the best melt.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread; sift it well to keep the loaf light and airy.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and a touch of nuttiness without overpowering the bread.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give the bread lift and tenderness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor in the recipe, don’t skip it!
• Unsalted sweet cream butter: Softened butter is key for that rich, tender crumb and balanced sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and helps with browning.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and softness, helping the bread hold together.
• Pure vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in boosting the flavors.
• Buttermilk: Responsible for moistness and a subtle tang that complements the cranberries nicely.
• Dried cranberries: Adds bursts of tartness and chewy texture; I always reserve some chopped cranberries for the topping.
• White chocolate chips: For creamy sweetness and melty goodness; save some for the drizzle on top.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own! Whether you’re looking to swap ingredients or adjust for diet preferences, these little twists give you plenty of flexibility.

• Gluten-free version: I once substituted a gluten-free flour blend and it worked well, just keep an eye on the texture and add a touch more liquid if needed.
• Orange zest addition: A splash of fresh orange zest lifts the cranberry flavor beautifully — it’s like sunshine in every bite.
• Nutty upgrade: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch that my family goes crazy over.
• Vegan adjustment: Use vegan butter and flax eggs to make it dairy- and egg-free — I’ve tried this with great results!

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep your loaf pan and dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch loaf pan generously with nonstick baking spray or softened butter—trust me, you don’t want your beautiful bread sticking to the pan! Then, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into a large bowl. Sifting not only helps with mixing but ensures you get a light, airy texture.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter traps air, helping your bread rise beautifully. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. Once it looks pale and fluffy, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This keeps the mixture smooth and avoids curdling. Then stir in the vanilla extract — it adds a warm depth of flavor that compliments the cranberries perfectly.

Step 4: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk

Here’s a trick I discovered: add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. For example, add a third of the dry ingredients, then half the buttermilk, then dry, then buttermilk, and finish with the last of the dry. This method helps prevent overmixing, which can make your bread tough.

Step 5: Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips

Finally, fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently with a spatula. You want them evenly distributed without overworking the batter. That’s what gives each slice those wonderful bursts of sweet and tangy goodness.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking around 55 minutes. Once done, let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing it. This waiting time helps the crumb set so the bread slices beautifully without crumbling. I usually transfer the loaf to a wire rack with a cookie sheet underneath — this catches any drips when we add our glaze.

Step 7: Make and drizzle the vanilla icing

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-4 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until smooth. You want a pourable but thick consistency — thicker icing will cling beautifully to the loaf without running off right away. Drizzle or spread the icing evenly over the cooled bread, then top with chopped cranberries and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Let it set for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow those flavors to meld together.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with extra chopped dried cranberries and a drizzle of melted white chocolate, just like the Starbucks favorite. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch and a pop of color. These simple touches immediately elevate the loaf visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This bread is perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, especially at breakfast or brunch. I love pairing it with creamy mascarpone or a smear of softened cream cheese for extra indulgence. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or a berry salad also brightens the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting or special occasions, I slice the bread thinly, then wrap each slice individually in parchment with a ribbon. Another fun idea is to serve it as mini sweet sliders by cutting the bread into small squares and sandwiching a bit of cream cheese frosting between two pieces. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry bliss bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature; it stays moist and tender for up to 3 days. If my kitchen feels warm, I pop it in the fridge to keep the glaze from melting and the bread fresh.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I slice it first, freeze the slices individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need, and it retains almost-fresh taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm slices for about 10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a toaster oven until just warm. This brings back the soft crumb and slightly melty white chocolate without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe is one of those keepers that I’m always thrilled to bake for friends, family, or just a cozy morning at home. The blend of sweet and tart, combined with the tender, buttery crumb, feels like a warm hug. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do here. It’s perfect to enjoy with coffee, share as a gift, or just treat yourself to a slice of bliss any day of the year.

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