Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: A Sweet, Fluffy Delight

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect fusion of a moist, tender loaf filled with fresh blueberries and a rich, creamy cheese filling. This dessert-like bread combines the sweet and tart flavors of blueberries with the luxurious cream cheese filling, resulting in a loaf that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of the soft bread and creamy filling is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The cream cheese filling adds a layer of decadence and makes this loaf something truly special, turning a regular loaf of bread into a showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

The combination of the sweet blueberries and the tangy cream cheese filling provides a delightful contrast in every bite.

2. Moist and Tender

The bread is incredibly moist thanks to the milk or buttermilk, giving it a soft, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the cream cheese filling.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this bread is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

4. Versatile

It can be enjoyed as a breakfast, dessert, or snack and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

5. Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, giving it as a gift, or making it for a family gathering, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

• Fruit Swap: While blueberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread batter.
• Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the bread batter to bring in some warmth and additional flavor.
• Vegan Option: You can replace the eggs with a flax egg and use non-dairy butter and milk for a dairy-free version of this bread.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries that have been tossed in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the cream cheese filling over the batter, then top with the remaining bread batter. Finally, dollop the remaining cream cheese filling on top of the bread batter.

Step 5: Swirl and Bake

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the bread batter for a marbled effect. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread is browning too quickly on top, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toss the Blueberries in Flour: Tossing the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and cream cheese filling.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
• Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the bread is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

How to Serve

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread can be served on its own as a snack or breakfast, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. A cup of tea or coffee would also complement the sweetness of this bread beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, leave the bread at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Reheating

Reheat slices of the bread in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for a freshly-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute milk with buttermilk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice.

3. How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Swirling the cream cheese filling gently into the batter rather than layering it all at once will help it stay evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese for the filling?

You can try using mascarpone cheese or ricotta as alternatives to cream cheese for a different flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute such as flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water to replace the eggs.

6. How long does this bread last?

This bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.

7. Can I make this in a muffin tin?

Yes, you can make individual blueberry cream cheese muffins by dividing the batter and cream cheese filling into muffin tins and baking for about 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

8. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries for a different twist on the flavor.

9. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a sweet, indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds—moist, fluffy bread and a rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to please everyone who tries it. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this decadent bread any time you want something special.

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