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If you adore the perfect marriage of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in a moist, tender loaf, then this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft bread bursting with juicy blueberries, layered with a luscious, creamy cheese filling that adds the perfect hint of richness. Whether it’s for breakfast, a special brunch, or a delightful snack, this bread brings warmth and comfort to every bite with its irresistible swirl of flavors and inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe just as approachable as it is delicious. Each component plays a key role—flour and leavening agents create that perfect crumb, sugars bring sweetness and moisture, while the blueberries and cream cheese lend their iconic flavors and textures.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for the bread’s tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidity in buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the bread.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the blueberries.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses notes and keeps the bread moist.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Ensures the bread stays soft and keeps the crumb moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the batter for a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements both blueberry and cream cheese.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursts of juicy fruit that brighten every slice; if frozen, use straight from the freezer to prevent color bleeding.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the creamy layer that makes this bread unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right.
- 1 large egg: Helps give the cream cheese filling a rich, silky texture.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the filling with lovely vanilla flavor.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to guarantee easy release after baking. This simple first step sets you up for success and saves cleaning headaches later.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until perfectly creamy and smooth. This mixture is what transforms ordinary blueberry bread into a luscious treat with each slice revealing a sweet and tangy surprise halfway through.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the foundation for your bread, balancing leavening with flavor-enhancing salt to make sure each bite has the ideal texture and lift.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and glossy. This rich, flavorful mixture keeps the bread tender and moist while infusing it with sweetness and subtle tang.
Step 5: Bring It Together and Add Blueberries
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry bowl using a spatula, mixing just until combined; overmixing can toughen your bread. Then carefully fold in those beautiful blueberries, distributing their juicy bursts evenly without breaking them up too much. This keeps your bread bright and colorful.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Filling
Pour half of the blueberry batter into your loaf pan and smooth it out. Then spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, spreading it into a layer. Finally, add the remaining batter on top and spread gently. This layering creates that signature swirl of creamy sweetness within tender blueberry bread.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye as it bakes; if the top starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so it firms up a bit. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step makes slicing easier and prevents the cream cheese filling from oozing out. When cool, slice into thick pieces and get ready to enjoy every wonderful bite!
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe look as good as it tastes. Fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint on top can add a pop of color and extra freshness that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat, or serve alongside fresh fruit salad to add brightness and balance. Creamy yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the rich cream cheese swirl beautifully without overwhelming the bread’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting small cubes of the bread and serving them on a dessert platter with spreads like honey, lemon curd, or more cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, toast slices lightly then slather with butter to enjoy warm, melty bites perfect for brunch crowds or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains moisture and softness so every slice remains tender and flavorful.
Freezing
The Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag, to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also toast slices lightly in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven flavor and melt the cream cheese filling slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great and often help keep the batter from becoming too watery since they stay firm during mixing. Just be sure to use them straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid color bleed and sogginess.
Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple substitute is to combine milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity and will still react well with the baking soda for a tender crumb.
Is it necessary to layer the cream cheese filling inside the bread?
Layering the cream cheese filling is what truly makes this recipe stand out by creating a luscious surprise inside each slice. While you could mix it in with the batter, you’ll lose that distinct ribbon of creamy flavor that makes the bread so special.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf near the end of baking time. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, your bread is done. Keep in mind the cream cheese layer might leave some moist crumbs, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly dry.
Can I replace the vegetable oil with butter?
You can swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep the quantity the same, and make sure the butter is cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs prematurely during mixing. This will give the bread a slightly denser texture but wonderful buttery notes.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in every slice. It’s simple enough to make any day but impressive enough to serve for gatherings or special breakfasts. Once you try this luscious combo of soft bread, vibrant blueberries, and rich cream cheese filling, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever. Go ahead, bake a loaf today—you’re going to love every bite!
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful, moist, and tender quick bread featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl and bursts of fresh blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it combines the tartness of blueberries with the rich, creamy filling for a balanced, irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside for layering later.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in blueberries: Gently fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the berries.
- Layer batter and cream cheese filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, then carefully top with the remaining batter, gently smoothing the top.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 55-65 minutes, placing the pan in the preheated oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- To prevent the bread from browning too fast, cover loosely with foil towards the end of baking.
- For a firmer crust, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid drying out.
- The bread is best eaten within 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
