Banana-Orange-Cranberry Bread

As soon as I saw cream cheese as an ingredient I was hooked.  I first saw this recipe on What's Cookin' Italian Style.   I also loved the sound of the combination of banana, orange, and cranberry.  If you get a chance take a look at this site.  I am amazed that there is a new recipe every day, which I could only dream about.



I decided that I would take the opportunity to use some Ocean Spray Craisins Pomegranate Juice Infused Dried Cranberries.  I don't know if I could really taste the pomegranate, but they may have been a little sweeter.  One thing I did love was the creaminess of the batter for this cake.  You know when you just look at the batter and think yes, this is going to be a good cake.  This was that kind of batter.




Before I knew it had all come together and was ready to be baked.  I loved that it made two loaves, but in hindsight I should have made a double batch.  Not to worry as I always have bananas ready for some toe of bread.

Banana-Orange-Cranberry Bread

(Printer Friendly Recipe)

Ingredients

Bread

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups bananas, mashed (about 4 medium)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped, toasted optional
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice, fresh
• 1 teaspoon orange rind, grated

Preparation

Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Combine cream cheese, sugar and butter mixing well. 
3. Blend in bananas and eggs. 
4. Add remaining ingredients; mix well until moistened. 
5. Pour into 2 greased and floured pans. 
6. Bake till toothpick is clean in the center, at least an hour or more depending on the size pan.  
7. After bread is cooled pour glaze over the top, if desired.

Glaze

1. Mix together and drizzle over bread.