If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that balances rich creaminess and bright, juicy bursts of fruit, look no further than this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. This loaf is an absolute treasure, combining tender, buttery bread with luscious cream cheese swirls and sweet, slightly tart blueberries. Every bite feels like a warm hug, whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or several hours later with a cup of coffee. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with family and friends, and trust me, it will disappear fast once you do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simple, pared-down ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous color that make this bread so irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure and lightness while allowing tender crumb development.
- Baking powder: Provides just the right rise to keep the bread fluffy and moist.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that makes every bite decadently creamy and adds a tangy dimension.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with tenderizing the crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and a bit of heft.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness that create the signature pops of flavor throughout the bread.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle brightness and slight citrus zing to highlight the berries.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease a loaf pan to ensure the bread comes out cleanly and maintains its beautiful shape. This straightforward first step sets the stage for success.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This simple blend ensures even distribution of rise and seasoning throughout your bread, giving it a balanced and inviting flavor profile.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, which creates the soft texture and delightful richness that define this bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add the eggs one at a time into your creamy mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a comforting aroma and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with blueberries and cream cheese.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Then Fold in Blueberries
Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined — overmixing can toughen the bread. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries and, if using, the lemon zest. This step ensures those gorgeous bursts of fruit stay intact and evenly disperse throughout the loaf.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the top develops a nice golden crust.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This brief rest time lets the bread settle and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—patience here ensures every slice remains tender and perfect.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar. Fresh blueberries and lemon zest curls make gorgeous, fresh-tasting garnishes that beautifully complement each slice.
Side Dishes
This bread shines wonderfully on its own but pairs delightfully with creamy accompaniments like whipped cream, mascarpone, or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. A cup of tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sliced Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe on a rustic wooden board or plate it with a scattering of fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning brunch centerpiece. For extra charm, toast the slices lightly and add a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for a warm, melty treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it soft and flavorful. Beyond that, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for an additional 3 to 4 days, though it might slightly firm the texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it first and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices can last up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To warm frozen or refrigerated slices, toast them lightly or microwave for about 15 seconds until soft and fragrant. Reheating awakens the cream cheese’s creaminess and rejuvenates the blueberry bursts for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well and often make this recipe year-round. Just fold them in gently without thawing to keep them from bleeding too much into the batter.
Is it okay to skip the lemon zest?
Yes, skipping lemon zest won’t ruin the bread. However, the zest adds a lovely bright note that balances the richness and sweetness, so consider including it if you want that extra zing.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt may change the texture and flavor considerably. Cream cheese provides a specific richness and tang that’s central to this bread, so it’s best to stick with cream cheese for authentic results.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is the toothpick method—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it’s wet or sticky, bake a few minutes longer.
Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?
Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward. Just divide the batter evenly between two loaf pans and increase the baking time slightly, watching carefully until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is truly a keeper, perfect for everything from a comforting breakfast to an impressive dessert. Its combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors creates a memorable experience that will make you want to bake it again and again. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that feels like a special treat every time.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread combines a moist and tender crumb with a deliciously creamy and tangy cream cheese base, studded with fresh or frozen blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread strikes a wonderful balance between fruity freshness and rich creaminess.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, providing a smooth base for the bread.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, fully blending each before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a sweet aroma.
- Combine and Add Blueberries: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the blueberries and lemon zest delicately to distribute them without breaking the berries.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes after baking to help it set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen blueberries works equally well; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid coloring the batter.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a lovely bright flavor that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are fully softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent a tough bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
