Cranberry Cream Scone Loaf is classic scone dough baked in a loaf pan instead of shaped into rounds. It’s soft and buttery inside, with a crisp, sweet crust and plenty of dried cranberries. Baked as a loaf, it slices easily like bread, a delicious twist on traditional scones.
Made with basic ingredients, the dough is shaped into a rectangle, sliced into strips, and arranged upright in a loaf pan. As it bakes, the layers puff up and turn golden, with crisp edges and a soft, tender center.
No rolling or cutters needed, just simple steps for rustic-style loaf that slices well and toasts beautifully the next day.
Visual Instructions
These visual instructions help you see the process. You can also find the full printable recipe with instructions and ingredients at the end of the post.
- Add dry ingredients and butter Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Add cubed cold butter.
- Pulse Pulse about 8–10 times until crumbly.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in dried cranberries.
- Pour in cream and mix gently with a spoon or spatula.
- The dough should look soft and a bit rough or shaggy, that’s perfect. Don’t overmix.
- Turn dough out and pat into a 10 × 7 inch (25 × 18 cm) rectangle.
- Slice in half Cut once across the short side to divide in two.
- Cut into pieces Cut 5 strips from each half to make 10 equal pieces.
- Arrange in pan Stand pieces upright in the loaf pan with small gaps between.
- Brush tops with cream or milk, and sprinkle with sugar if using.
- Bake until golden Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden. Tent with foil after 25 minutes if needed.
- Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing.
Recipe tips
Cutting the loaf too soon after baking releases steam too quickly and can leave the inside feeling doughy. It’s still setting as it cools, so slicing early may cause it to crumble or fall apart. For the best texture and clean slices, let it cool completely. I promise, it’s worth the wait.
Leave little gaps between the pieces when arranging in the pan. If it’s packed too tightly, the middle might not bake through.
Cracks on top? That's totally normal.
Feel like a change? Swap the cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even mini chocolate chips.
Enjoy 😋
Recipe
Cranberry Cream Scone Loaf
- 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 2 level teaspoons baking powder
- 3½ Tablespoons (45 g) white sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or 1 teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) cold salted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup (110 g) dried cranberries (can also use raisins or chocolate chips)
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) heavy cream (see note 1)
For topping (optional):
- 1 Tablespoon cream or milk (for brushing)
- 1 Tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Preheat oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F (160°C) if using a fan oven. Grease and line a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix the dough (see note 2 if mixing by hand)
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor.
- Add the butter and pulse about 8–10 times until crumbly.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl, stir in cranberries, then pour in cream. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape and cut (see pictures above for guidance )
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle about 10 inches × 7 inches (25 × 18 cm).
- Slice once from the short edge to divide the dough in half.
- Then cut 5 strips from each half along the long edge. You’ll end up with 10 pieces total.
Arrange in the pan (see pictures above for guidance)
- Stand the pieces upright in the loaf pan, leaving small gaps between them so they have room to expand. Don’t pack them too tightly.
Bake
- Brush the tops with cream or milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 25 minutes if it starts browning too quickly.
Need help with the steps? See the photos below for a step-by-step visual guide to shaping and arranging the loaf.
Cool and serve
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely before slicing. This helps prevent crumbling.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
- Freezes well. Slice and wrap individually, then freeze in a zip-top bag.
- Use heavy cream or double cream. It should be thick but pourable.
- Depending on your location, it may be labeled whipping cream or thick cream.
- Avoid single or light cream—it's too thin and won’t hold the dough together properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cranberries.
- Pour in the cream and mix gently with a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix.
Hungry for more?
Sign up for my free newsletter to get emails about new recipes .And don't forget to follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest deliciousness
Leave a Reply