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
Scale
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.
