Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of blueberries with the tangy richness of cream cheese. This easy-to-make recipe creates a tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

The combination of juicy blueberries bursting with flavor and creamy, luscious pockets of cream cheese creates a unique, irresistible texture and taste. Each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for all ages.

Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven, lightly toasted with a pat of butter, or chilled for a denser, cheesecake-like experience, this bread is a versatile treat that everyone will love. It’s also customizable—add a lemon glaze for extra zing or incorporate nuts for added crunch.With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is ideal for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal, perfect for gifting, and a great way to showcase seasonal blueberries when they’re at their peak. This bread is a must-try recipe that brings both comfort and elegance to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Tender: The cream cheese adds richness and moisture, ensuring a perfectly soft texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Bursting with Blueberries: Packed with fresh or frozen blueberries, this bread delivers a delightful pop of natural sweetness in every slice.
• Easy to Make: With simple, easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for novice bakers looking to try something new or experienced bakers seeking a reliable go-to treat.
• Versatile: Serve it as a hearty breakfast, a delicious brunch centerpiece, a sweet dessert, or a quick snack with your favorite beverage.
• Customizable: Make this recipe uniquely yours by adding chopped nuts for crunch, lemon zest for brightness, or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness. You can even substitute different berries to suit your taste!
• Great for Gifting: This bread makes a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family, especially when blueberries are in season.
• Kid-Approved: Its sweet flavor and soft texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike. This bread is sure to become a household favorite!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 slices

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar for a crunchy top
• Lemon glaze (powdered sugar and lemon juice)

Special Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Hand or stand mixer
• Large and medium mixing bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries

1. Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
2. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese

1. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it gently.
3. Add the remaining bread batter on top, smoothing it with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

1. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top, if desired, for a crunchy finish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil after 30-40 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve as is, or drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra flavor.

Ingredient Background

Blueberries

Blueberries add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to this bread. Fresh or frozen berries work equally well, but frozen berries should not be thawed to prevent excess moisture.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese swirl provides a tangy, rich contrast to the sweet bread, elevating the flavor and texture.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture to the bread, resulting in a tender crumb. Plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and lemon juice can be substituted.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar creates a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.

Technique Tips

• Prevent Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Even Blueberry Distribution: Tossing the blueberries in flour helps them stay evenly distributed in the bread.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the bread is fully baked; the top should feel set and spring back lightly when pressed.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin for individual portions. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
• Bundt Cake: Bake the batter in a bundt pan for a more dramatic presentation. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Layered Loaf: Add extra layers of cream cheese and blueberries for a visually striking loaf.

Additional Tips for Success

• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy twist.

Nutty Variation

Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Streusel Topping

Top the loaf with a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and flour for a crumbly, bakery-style finish.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Storage

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Pair slices with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy presentation.
• Serve at brunch with fresh fruit and coffee or tea.
• Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk alternative for the buttermilk.

3. How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?

Ensure the bread is fully baked by checking with a toothpick and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a larger pan.

5. Can I skip the cream cheese layer?

Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the cream cheese adds a rich, tangy contrast.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a show-stopping treat that combines the juicy sweetness of blueberries with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese. Its moist texture, simple preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a thoughtful gift, this bread is guaranteed to impress and delight every time.

Its versatility and irresistible flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, lightly toasted, or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for an extra indulgent treat. Give it a try today and discover why this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a recipe you’ll return to again and again!

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