If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines the tart sweetness of berries with the creamy richness of cheese, you will adore this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. This moist and tender loaf offers a beautiful swirl of luscious cream cheese and bursts of fresh blueberries in every slice. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert to share with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to baked goods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. Fresh blueberries add a juicy pop, cream cheese brings a smooth tang, and the lemon zest gives a bright freshness that ties it all beautifully together.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a soft but sturdy bread.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread while enhancing the blueberry flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Cream cheese: Softened for a beautiful marbled swirl and rich creaminess.
- Fresh blueberries: Adds juicy bursts of natural sweetness and color.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- Lemon zest: Brightens and complements the blueberries perfectly.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, giving you that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisking these ingredients ensures an even distribution, which is key for a bread that rises evenly and tastes balanced.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, milk, and eggs, mixing until smooth and fully blended. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest for that lovely aromatic burst that brightens every bite.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Swirl
Gently fold softened cream cheese into your wet mixture until you see pretty swirls forming. This step creates the distinctive creamy ribbons that make this bread truly special.
Step 5: Incorporate the Blueberries
Carefully fold in fresh blueberries, being gentle to keep them whole so they don’t turn the batter purple. Those little jewels give each slice a juicy, fruity surprise that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. If you like, sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top for an attractive finish and even more fruity goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze complements this bread perfectly, enhancing its flavors without overpowering the blueberry and cream cheese swirl.
Side Dishes
Pair a thick slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. It also works wonderfully alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunches or gatherings, serve the bread sliced and layered with a smear of extra cream cheese or berry jam. You can even toast slices lightly for a warm, crispy texture that highlights the creamy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover blueberry cream cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, ready to satisfy your cravings.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then wrap slices individually or together in foil and place them in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months and be thawed as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Warm bread brings out the creamy texture and makes the blueberries taste even juicier.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon zest?
Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, natural flavor that bottled zest can’t quite match. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can omit it, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m allergic?
Regular cream cheese gives this bread its signature creamy swirl, but you can try a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to keep the texture similar while accommodating allergies.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The toothpick test is the best method—insert it into the center of the bread, and if it comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs, your bread is done.
Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans, just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly and check for doneness regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt experience in every slice with its perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy richness. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for any time you need a comforting homemade treat. Go ahead, bake it, share it, and watch how quickly it disappears from your kitchen!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with fresh blueberries and creamy swirls of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this easy-to-make loaf combines tangy lemon zest and vanilla for a delightful balance of flavors. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a tender crumb and a beautiful presentation with blueberries scattered throughout and on top.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Additional Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest for flavor.
- Fold in cream cheese. Gently fold the softened cream cheese into the wet mixture, creating beautiful creamy swirls throughout the batter without fully blending it in.
- Add blueberries. Carefully mix in the fresh blueberries, being cautious not to mash them to preserve their shape and burst of flavor.
- Fill the loaf pan. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and if desired, sprinkle extra blueberries on top for an attractive finish.
- Bake the bread. Bake the loaf for 55 to 60 minutes until it turns golden brown. Perform the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool before serving. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring clean slices and perfect texture.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best texture and taste; frozen blueberries can be used but may require additional flour to adjust moisture.
- Softening the cream cheese at room temperature makes folding it into the batter easier and helps create nice swirls.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly and bake evenly.
