Description
A delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread combining moist blueberry swirls and creamy cheese with a soft, tender crumb. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a comforting snack, this loaf balances tart blueberries with rich cream cheese and zesty lemon for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Additional Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Extra blueberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 fully combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth and homogenous. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to infuse flavor.
- Fold in Cream Cheese: Gently blend the softened cream cheese into the wet mixture, creating beautiful swirls without fully mixing it in.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the batter, being careful not to mash them and turn the batter purple.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional blueberries on top to enhance the look and flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until the bread turns golden brown. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the bread and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to achieve smooth swirls in the batter.
- Handle blueberries gently to avoid bursting and discoloring the batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with non-dairy alternatives.
