Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and downright indulgent, you’re going to love this Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe. It’s that perfect combo of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate that just melts in your mouth. Every time I pull this out of the oven, my family goes crazy for it. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, a holiday treat, or just because, this bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. I love using whole wheat flour here because it adds a subtle nuttiness without overpowering the sweetness. As for the dried cranberries and white chocolate, make sure you get good quality bits for the best results.

• Flour (all-purpose and whole wheat): All-purpose keeps it tender, while whole wheat adds a lovely depth and heartiness.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Both leaveners help the bread rise nicely and give it a light, airy texture.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
• Unsalted sweet cream butter: For that rich, creamy texture and flavor—softened for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang for that tender crumb I’ve come to love.
• Dried cranberries: I like to use half in the batter and half chopped for topping—it adds bursts of tartness throughout.
• White chocolate chips: Again, half go inside and half melt for the luscious drizzle on top.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cranberry Bliss Bread recipe is. Once you’ve nailed the classic version, you’ll find that making little tweaks can keep it fresh and exciting – plus it’s a great way to accommodate what you have on hand or dietary preferences.

• Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the flours for a gluten-free all-purpose blend—just be sure to check the leavening agents and adjust if needed; I had success replacing the wheat with almond flour but had to add a bit more baking powder.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a vegan egg substitute, and almond milk instead of buttermilk—though it changes the texture slightly, the flavor is still delightful.
• Nutty Add-Ins: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch; my kids loved this twist for holiday breakfasts.
• Orange Zest Boost: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the batter for an extra citrusy zing that complements the cranberries beautifully.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray or softened butter to ensure your bread slides out easily after baking—no one likes a stuck loaf! Next, sift together your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into a large mixing bowl. Sifting is a simple step that really helps your leavening agents distribute evenly, and it keeps the batter nice and lump-free.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. I discovered this trick when my bread turned heavy—creaming properly traps air, which helps the bread get nice and tender. If you don’t have a mixer, sturdy arm work with a hand whisk or mixer will do just fine.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This careful incorporation prevents your batter from curdling. Once the eggs are fully mixed in, add the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes this bread feel special—trust me, don’t skip it!

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method is key for keeping the batter smooth and preventing it from becoming too dense. Mix until just combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender bread, so aim for no visible streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in half of the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step boosts every bite with those bright fruit bursts and pockets of melty chocolate. I once forgot this step and added them all on top which left the bread missing that delightful surprise inside—don’t do that!

Step 6: Bake and Cool Completely

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times can vary, so start checking at around 55 minutes. Once done, let the bread cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial—it helps the bread set so it slices cleanly without crumbling.

Step 7: Prepare Vanilla Icing and Decorate

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make a smooth vanilla icing. Pour the icing over your loaf evenly and let it set for at least 30 minutes. Once the icing is nicely firm, sprinkle the remaining chopped cranberries on top and drizzle the melted white chocolate for a beautiful, festive finish. This step transforms simple bread into something spectacular-looking—your guests will think you bought this from a bakery!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and elegant with just a sprinkle of fresh, chopped dried cranberries and a generous drizzle of melted white chocolate. Sometimes, I even add a few fresh cranberries or a tiny pinch of edible glitter when serving for a holiday table centerpiece—it really wows guests without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or tea. For brunch, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. It also makes a fantastic afternoon snack with a bit of cream cheese spread!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I’ve sliced the bread into neat little squares and arranged them on a pretty platter with some fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and aroma. I’ve also served it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert twist that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover Cranberry Bliss Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for about 2-3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to refrigerate it to avoid the white chocolate toppings melting or getting sticky.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this bread either whole or sliced. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up surprisingly well, and it tastes just like fresh-baked to me.

Reheating

To warm up leftover slices, I usually pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. This melts the white chocolate just the right amount and brings the bread back to its soft, fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Bliss Bread with White Chocolate Recipe comes together—it’s one of those magical bakes that looks like you spent all day on it but really is straightforward and forgiving. When I first tried it, I was amazed by the flavors and texture, which makes it my go-to for holiday brunches and cozy weekend mornings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it becomes a favorite in your kitchen the way it is in mine!

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