Name: Cranberry Cornbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened); ¼ cup Canola or Vegetable Oil; ¼ cup Granulated White Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1½ cups All Purpose Flour; 1 cup Cornmeal (whole grain or regular); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1½ cups Low Fat Buttermilk; 1 cup Dried Cranberries (divided)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Cornbread wafting through the house, especially in the fall. I remember the first time I made this delightful treat, inspired by my grandmother’s old recipe. Every bite takes me back to family gatherings where we would sit around the table, sharing stories and savoring this slightly sweet, moist cornbread. The tartness of the dried cranberries perfectly balances the richness of the cornbread, making it a favorite for many occasions. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a cozy dinner, or just a casual Sunday afternoon, this Cranberry Cornbread never fails to impress. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or simply a pat of butter. If you’re looking to add a touch of warmth to your table, this recipe is just what you need! I can’t wait for you to try it!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
35 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What Makes This Cranberry Cornbread Special

1. A Fall Favorite

Nothing says fall quite like the combination of cranberries and cornbread. The bright red of the cranberries adds a festive touch, while the warm, comforting flavor of the cornbread brings a sense of coziness to any meal. I love making this for Thanksgiving, as it complements the rich flavors of the turkey and stuffing perfectly.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The sweetness of the cornbread paired with the tartness of the cranberries creates a perfect harmony in every bite. It’s a flavor profile that surprises your palate and makes you want to come back for more.

3. Versatile Side Dish

This Cranberry Cornbread isn’t just for the holidays. It works wonderfully as a side for any meal, whether you’re serving chili, soup, or even grilled meats. Its texture and flavor elevate any dish, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

4. Simple to Prepare

Don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert; this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip it up on a whim without needing a trip to the grocery store. Just combine, mix, and bake!

5. Great for Sharing

What I love about this Cranberry Cornbread is that it makes for an excellent sharing dish. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or just want to bring something special to a friend, this cornbread is sure to be a hit. People will be asking for the recipe, and it’s always fun to share a little piece of my kitchen with others.

6. Ideal for Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), it can easily be stored and enjoyed the next day. A quick reheat in the oven brings back that fresh-baked taste, making it perfect for breakfast with a bit of butter or jam!

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Cornbread

The ingredients for this Cranberry Cornbread are simple yet come together beautifully to create a delicious, moist bread. Each ingredient plays a role in developing flavor and texture, making every slice delightful.

Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and richness, giving the cornbread a tender crumb.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without any heavy flavor.
Granulated White Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Large Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to create a soft and fluffy texture.
All Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cornbread, working in harmony with the cornmeal.
Cornmeal: Gives the cornbread its characteristic texture and a slight nuttiness.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, it ensures the bread rises properly.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness.
Low Fat Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
Dried Cranberries: The star of the show, providing bursts of tart flavor in every bite.

Putting Together Cranberry Cornbread

Making Cranberry Cornbread is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create your own delicious bread.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is crucial as a well-preheated oven helps the cornbread rise properly. Spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine cream cheese, oil, sugar, and egg. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The cream cheese should be softened for easy incorporation, resulting in a creamy batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential as it ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture.
Fold in ¾ cup of dried cranberries. This will distribute the cranberries throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is filled with their tart sweetness.
Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure even baking.
Sprinkle the remaining cranberries on top. This not only adds flavor but also makes the top look beautiful and inviting.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it should turn lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This is key to ensuring your cornbread is baked perfectly without being dry.
Once done, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
Serve warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, if desired. It’s also delicious alongside a warm bowl of chili!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly into the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread.
Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cornbread at 30 minutes for doneness.
Storing Leftovers: Allow the cornbread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days.

Tips for Success

Perfecting your Cranberry Cornbread is easy with a few simple tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your baking experience is a success.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the cornbread for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: This cornbread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even as a stand-alone snack with butter.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
Serving Warm: It’s best served warm, so consider reheating leftover slices in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Best Served With

When it comes to enjoying your Cranberry Cornbread, the serving options are endless! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

With Chili: This cornbread is a perfect companion to a warm bowl of chili, as the sweetness balances the spices.
As a Snack: Enjoy slices with butter and jam for a delightful afternoon treat.
At Thanksgiving: A must-have on your Thanksgiving table, it complements turkey and stuffing beautifully.
For Breakfast: Serve warmed with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a cozy breakfast option.
With Soup: Pair with your favorite soup for a comforting lunch or dinner.

FAQ

The unique combination of sweet cornbread and tart cranberries makes this recipe truly special. It’s a perfect balance that offers comfort and warmth, especially during fall. The moist texture from the cream cheese and buttermilk enhances the overall flavor, making it an ideal accompaniment to savory dishes or a delicious snack on its own.

While dried cranberries work best in this recipe due to their concentrated sweetness, you can use fresh cranberries if desired. Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels slightly to balance the flavors. Fresh cranberries will also create a different texture but can still yield a delightful cornbread.

To store leftover Cranberry Cornbread, allow it to cool completely first. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months.

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this Cranberry Cornbread. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious and moist!

Conclusion

This Cranberry Cornbread is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout recipe for any occasion. Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners, it brings warmth and comfort to the table. I encourage you to try making this cornbread; it’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite!