There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you bake something sweet at home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a delicious piece of nostalgia waiting to be created. The combination of tender, moist bread, juicy blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese swirl is a sensory delight. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – a tantalizing promise of the treat to come.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s blueberry muffins, a childhood favorite that she would make every Sunday morning. She always encouraged me to try new variations on her classic recipes, and that’s how this bread was born. I still remember the first time I made it – a crisp autumn afternoon with my kids helping to fold in the blueberries. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts, cozy brunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The cream cheese filling provides a tangy contrast to the sweet bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the addition of blueberries and a careful mixing technique, this bread stays incredibly soft and moist.
- Beautiful Presentation: The creamy swirl and pops of blueberry make every slice look as good as it tastes.
- Simple Ingredients, Show-Stopping Result: You won’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment to create this bakery-style masterpiece.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and freeze for a quick, delightful treat on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tanginess)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent bake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Continue for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Blend the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light and airy.
Step 6: Gently Fold in Blueberries
Tossing the blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Carefully fold them into the batter using a spatula.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 8: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Layer the cream cheese mixture on top, then finish with the remaining bread batter. Smooth the top gently.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing – if you can resist!
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps them mix more smoothly, giving your bread a better texture.
- Blueberry Prep: Tossing the berries in flour keeps them from sinking and evenly distributes them throughout the loaf.
- Don’t Overmix: Stirring too much after adding the flour can lead to a denser loaf. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
- Storage Tip: Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Substitute Sweeteners: You can use coconut sugar or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Customize the Filling: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Seasonal Variations: This bread adapts well to seasonal fruits. Swap blueberries with fresh peaches or cranberries for a delightful change.
- Parchment Paper Tip: Using parchment paper with overhang on the sides helps you lift the bread out of the pan easily, especially while it’s still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other berries?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries.
How do I store the bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it and bake two loaves simultaneously. Ensure your oven has enough space for even heat distribution.
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Conclusion
Baking this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than making a dessert or snack – it’s crafting a moment of joy. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet morning with coffee or sharing slices with loved ones, this bread is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Try it today and create your own cherished memories!
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Description
There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you bake something sweet at home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a delicious piece of nostalgia waiting to be created. The combination of tender, moist bread, juicy blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese swirl is a sensory delight. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – a tantalizing promise of the treat to come.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s blueberry muffins, a childhood favorite that she would make every Sunday morning. She always encouraged me to try new variations on her classic recipes, and that’s how this bread was born. I still remember the first time I made it – a crisp autumn afternoon with my kids helping to fold in the blueberries. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts, cozy brunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.
Ingredients
There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you bake something sweet at home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a delicious piece of nostalgia waiting to be created. The combination of tender, moist bread, juicy blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese swirl is a sensory delight. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – a tantalizing promise of the treat to come.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s blueberry muffins, a childhood favorite that she would make every Sunday morning. She always encouraged me to try new variations on her classic recipes, and that’s how this bread was born. I still remember the first time I made it – a crisp autumn afternoon with my kids helping to fold in the blueberries. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts, cozy brunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.
Instructions
There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you bake something sweet at home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a delicious piece of nostalgia waiting to be created. The combination of tender, moist bread, juicy blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese swirl is a sensory delight. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – a tantalizing promise of the treat to come.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s blueberry muffins, a childhood favorite that she would make every Sunday morning. She always encouraged me to try new variations on her classic recipes, and that’s how this bread was born. I still remember the first time I made it – a crisp autumn afternoon with my kids helping to fold in the blueberries. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts, cozy brunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.
Notes
There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you bake something sweet at home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a delicious piece of nostalgia waiting to be created. The combination of tender, moist bread, juicy blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese swirl is a sensory delight. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – a tantalizing promise of the treat to come.
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s blueberry muffins, a childhood favorite that she would make every Sunday morning. She always encouraged me to try new variations on her classic recipes, and that’s how this bread was born. I still remember the first time I made it – a crisp autumn afternoon with my kids helping to fold in the blueberries. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts, cozy brunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.