If you are looking for a luscious treat that effortlessly blends tangy cream cheese with bursts of juicy berries, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Moist, tender, and bursting with bright blueberry flavor, this bread is an absolute showstopper whether served at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack. The creamy richness from the cheese combined with the sweet-tart pop of blueberries creates a harmonious balance that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to bake it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each plays a crucial role: from the creamy texture created by softened butter and cream cheese to the fresh brightness of blueberries and lemon zest, every element works together to elevate the final loaf.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely and stays fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a tender texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates that signature creamy, luscious texture inside the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the blueberries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness, adding vibrant color and a fresh taste.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle zing that brightens the bread beautifully.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan generously. This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly once done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and whisk them together. This simple step helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your bread rises uniformly.
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 creaming process is essential for incorporating air, giving the bread its delicate, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which will lend a warm, inviting aroma to your bread.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Blueberries
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread tough. Then fold in the blueberries and lemon zest if you’re using it — these provide vibrant bursts of flavor that make this bread truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The golden-brown crust will signal that all those lovely layers of flavor have cooked through.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period ensures clean slices and helps the bread finish its texture development.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar goes a long way in adding a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation. You can also scatter a few fresh blueberries on top right before serving for a vibrant, fresh look that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of extra cream cheese for breakfast. For an afternoon snack, a cup of hot tea or coffee complements the richness perfectly, making it a cozy companion to your favorite drink.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly for a crunchy contrast to the tender crumb, then drizzle with honey or maple syrup. For a brunch twist, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to create a bright and inviting spread that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve the freshness and moisture of the bread.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time or enjoying a fresh slice anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen slices, thaw them at room temperature. For a freshly baked taste, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will revive the moist texture and melt any cream cheese pockets delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well in this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. Just be sure to fold them in gently to prevent the batter from turning purple, and there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese?
The cream cheese is what gives this bread its signature moist, creamy texture and subtle tang. While you can experiment by omitting it, the outcome won’t be quite the same – the bread may be drier and less rich.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe because it creates the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. You can try using cake flour for a softer crumb, but avoid whole wheat flour as it will change the texture and might weigh the bread down.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking and check every 5 minutes thereafter.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the soft bread. Just fold them in along with the blueberries to maintain a balanced texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe enough if you want to add a little joy and sweetness to your baking repertoire. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and packed with flavors that feel both comforting and fresh. Whip up a loaf, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear in no time. Happy baking!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and delicious quick bread featuring a creamy texture from cream cheese and bursts of sweet, juicy blueberries throughout. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, this loaf combines the richness of butter and cream cheese with fresh lemon zest for a bright flavor twist.
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 to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation into the wet ingredients.
- Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bread.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine and Add Blueberries: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries and the optional lemon zest to evenly distribute them without breaking the berries.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using frozen blueberries is convenient but do not thaw before adding to batter to prevent color bleeding.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a fresh, citrus brightness that complements the blueberries.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for easy creaming and a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
