Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors wrapped up in a soft, moist loaf. With a rich cream cheese filling swirled into a tender blueberry-studded bread, each slice is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert. The tangy cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of fresh or frozen blueberries, making it a truly indulgent yet simple bake.

This bread is incredibly easy to make and offers a balance of textures, with the smooth cream cheese filling contrasting with the light, airy crumb of the bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results. The combination of vanilla, butter, and sugar gives the bread a comforting flavor that complements the tangy cream cheese and burst of blueberry in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe to make for any occasion, from a weekend brunch to a gift for a friend or loved one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Deliciously Creamy and Fruity

The cream cheese filling gives the bread a luscious texture, while the blueberries add a pop of fruity sweetness in every bite.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The richness of the cream cheese filling is balanced beautifully with the light, sweet bread, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

3. Easy to Make

Despite its impressive look and taste, this bread is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special skills or techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

4. Versatile

Enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack with coffee, or even as a dessert. It’s also a great option to share at a gathering or potluck.

5. Uses Simple Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and likely already available in your pantry, so you can bake it anytime the craving strikes.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk (or buttermilk)
• Fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in flour)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Citrusy Zing: Add some lemon zest to the bread batter to enhance the fresh, fruity flavor of the blueberries.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this bread dairy-free.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the blueberries for a sweet, chocolatey twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large 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. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries that have been tossed in flour. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining bread batter, smoothing the top to cover the cream cheese filling.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Flour the Blueberries: Tossing the blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean when the bread is done.
• Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the cream cheese filling to set properly.

How to Serve

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread can be served as-is, or it can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert. For extra indulgence, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

To freeze the bread, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Reheating:

To reheat individual slices, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to toss them in flour to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

2. Can I make this bread without cream cheese?

While the cream cheese filling adds richness, you can skip it for a simpler blueberry bread or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

3. How can I make the bread sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar in the bread batter by 1/4 cup or drizzle the finished bread with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

4. Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can substitute the blueberries with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, or even try adding chopped apples or bananas.

5. How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Make sure to pour the bread batter into the pan first and spread the cream cheese filling over the top before adding the remaining batter. The flour-coated blueberries will also help prevent sinking.

6. Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes, buttermilk can be substituted for regular milk to give the bread a slight tang and enhanced moisture.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

8. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.

9. Can I make this in mini loaf pans?

Yes, you can divide the batter into two mini loaf pans and bake for about 40–45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

10. Can I add nuts to the bread?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: sweet, juicy blueberries and a creamy, tangy filling. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy throughout the week, this easy-to-make bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade baked goods.

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