Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Introduction

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, rich, and irresistibly tender quick bread that combines the tart sweetness of fresh blueberries with the creamy decadence of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy yet is simple to make.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy weekend brunch, and the entire house smelled like sweet blueberries and vanilla. The cream cheese adds such a delightful richness to the bread, while the blueberries burst with flavor in every bite. It’s like a little slice of heaven—soft, buttery, and comforting.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, yet it feels like a special treat. The combination of flavors and textures—tender crumb, juicy berries, and a hint of vanilla—make it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it to guests, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunch
• Breakfast on the go
• Tea-time treat
• Gifting to friends and family
• Blueberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Here’s why Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is bound to become a household favorite:

• Moist and Creamy Texture: The cream cheese ensures that every bite is moist, rich, and smooth.
• Bursting with Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries create juicy pockets of flavor throughout the bread.
• Easy to Make: It’s a simple quick bread recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or as part of a decadent breakfast spread.
• Freezes Beautifully: This bread freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious richness and helps create an incredibly moist crumb.
• Blueberries: Provide natural sweetness and a pop of tart flavor. Both fresh and frozen work beautifully.
• Butter: Enhances the bread’s flavor while contributing to its tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the blueberries and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread:

Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Milk and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Prepare Blueberries: Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.

Bake the Bread:

7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Plain: Enjoy it as-is for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Toasted with Butter: Toast a slice and spread it with butter for a warm, indulgent snack.
• With Cream Cheese or Jam: Enhance the flavor by topping with cream cheese or your favorite fruit jam.
• Paired with Coffee or Tea: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• As Dessert: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an elegant dessert.

Additional Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Here are some tips to ensure your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread turns out perfectly:

• Soften Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense, so mix just until combined.
• Coat Blueberries in Flour: Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread is done. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
• Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf, especially if pairing with jam or cream cheese.

Recipe Variations for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Here are 10 fun ways to customize your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread:

1. Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy twist.
2. Streusel-Topped Blueberry Bread: Add a crumbly streusel topping made of flour, sugar, and butter for extra texture.
3. Glazed Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: Drizzle a simple lemon or vanilla glaze over the cooled bread for added sweetness.
4. Almond Blueberry Bread: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
5. Mixed Berry Bread: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
6. Cinnamon Swirl Blueberry Bread: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl through the middle of the bread for a warm spice note.
7. Chocolate Chip Blueberry Bread: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the blueberries for a chocolatey twist.
8. Vegan Blueberry Bread: Use plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and a flax egg for a vegan version.
9. Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
10. Nutty Blueberry Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Freezing and Storage for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

• Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread:

• Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
• 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan: The perfect size for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper: Makes it easy to remove the bread from the pan.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the bread evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
2. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, butter, and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I substitute the blueberries with another fruit?
   Absolutely! Try raspberries, diced strawberries, or even chopped apples.
4. Why is my bread sinking in the middle?
   This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the bread is underbaked. Ensure accurate measurements and check for doneness with a toothpick.
5. How do I keep the bread moist?
   Store the bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to retain its moisture.

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Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a heavenly blend of rich cream cheese, sweet blueberries, and a soft, buttery texture. The creamy filling swirls throughout the bread, creating pockets of indulgent flavor, while the fresh blueberries add a burst of juiciness in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this bread is both comforting and satisfying.

Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or served chilled, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s an easy recipe to make and a delicious way to treat yourself and others to something special.

I’d love to see how your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delightful creations. Happy baking!