If you love a sweet, moist bread with a creamy twist, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread will quickly become your new favorite treat. Imagine the soft, tender crumb of homemade bread loaded with juicy blueberries and a rich, creamy swirl of cream cheese—this is the perfect combination of flavors and textures! Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a sweet snack, or something to share with friends, this bread is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This blueberry cream cheese bread is more than just a loaf of bread—it’s a flavor-packed delight! The juicy blueberries burst with sweetness, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich, tangy contrast. The bread itself is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the cream cheese that’s swirled right through the batter. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients
This bread uses simple, pantry staples, but the cream cheese filling adds a delightful twist! You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to get started:
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside to use later as a filling for the bread.
Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and oil until well combined. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter. You can dust the blueberries with a bit of flour beforehand to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Filling
Pour half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining blueberry batter, and use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the bread slightly. This will create a marbled effect when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (with just a few crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the wonderful combination of blueberry and cream cheese flavors!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense, and we want it to be light and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best in this recipe, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- Add a Streusel Topping: If you want to make your bread even more indulgent, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so be sure to check the bread with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Fruit: You can swap out the blueberries for other berries, like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the amount depending on the fruit you choose.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nice crunch and additional flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This blueberry cream cheese bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh fruit. It also makes a lovely addition to a brunch spread or a breakfast buffet. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar would be a perfect finishing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to enjoy the fresh, soft texture again.
4 FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! If you use frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the batter. Just be aware that they might release a little more juice into the bread, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I add more cream cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! If you love the cream cheese filling, you can increase the amount to make it even more decadent. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can! Divide the batter evenly among muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread keeps well for several days. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, and it will still taste great. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, with a texture that’s soft and moist. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, enjoying a slice for breakfast, or indulging in a mid-afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this bread is one you’ll want to bake over and over again!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of moist, fluffy bread with sweet blueberries and creamy, tangy cream cheese swirled throughout. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, don’t thaw)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling on top before baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this could break the berries.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter.
- Sprinkle the optional coarse sugar over the top for a sweet finish.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, they might release more juice during baking, which could affect the texture of the bread.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter or cream cheese swirl.
- This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250-300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg