There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as biting into a warm, moist slice of homemade blueberry bread loaded with a rich, tangy swirl of cream cheese. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is a true game-changer when it comes to quick breads, perfectly balancing sweet and creamy flavors with the fresh burst of juicy blueberries. Whether you’re serving this loaf for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table and make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine effortlessly to create something truly special. Each component plays a role, whether it’s lending structure, moisture, flavor, or that gorgeous blueberry pop you’re craving.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its tender crumb and structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give an extra lift and subtle tang.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star that gives the bread a luscious creaminess.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the blueberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as binders and contribute to the bread’s tender structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a subtle tang that complements the cream cheese.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor in every bite; keep frozen blueberries unthawed to maintain texture.
- 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries): Keeps the blueberries suspended in the batter so they don’t sink.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases easily once baked. Having your ingredients at room temperature helps everything mix together smoothly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step creates an evenly mixed flour base that will ensure your bread rises perfectly and has a uniform texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious foundation for the batter, making the bread moist and rich. It’s important to really whip these together well for that ideal texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs
Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy—this aerates the batter and helps develop a tender crumb. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for added warmth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method keeps the batter light and prevents over-mixing, which could toughen the bread.
Step 6: Coat and Fold in Blueberries
Toss your blueberries with one tablespoon of flour to coat them, which stops them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them—this preserves their juicy bursts.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top so it bakes evenly. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes a simple yet elegant garnish, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You can also drizzle a quick glaze made with powdered sugar mixed with a teaspoon or two of milk or lemon juice for a tangy finish that highlights the cream cheese flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own but pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of fresh butter elevates the experience. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a fruit salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thick slabs and lightly toasting them before serving to bring out even more flavor and texture. For a fun twist, cut the bread into cubes and serve with toothpicks as a party snack, or even transform it into luxurious French toast for a decadent weekend treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to three days without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, your bread stays moist and flavorful for up to three months, making it easy to thaw a slice whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To warm up leftover slices, simply toast them lightly or microwave for about 15 seconds. This will revive the bread’s softness and bring back the creamy, melted charm of the cream cheese—you’ll think it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Use them straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter, which can affect the bread’s texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup of milk with ½ teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle—this homemade buttermilk works perfectly.
Can I add a glaze to this bread?
Yes, a simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice creates a beautiful finishing touch that complements the cream cheese’s tang and the blueberries’ sweetness.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Stored wrapped at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for about three days. Refrigeration can extend the life but may dry the bread, so wrapping is key.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe contains no meat products and is perfect for a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, impressive homemade treat, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly moist, bursting with juicy blueberries, and wrapped in a creamy swirl, it’s a loaf that truly feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Don’t wait to try baking this—it’s a surefire way to bring joy to any table and brighten your day.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with fresh blueberries in a tender, buttery batter that bakes into a golden loaf. Easy to prepare and delicious, this loaf can be enjoyed plain or topped with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
Fruits
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, then beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to maintain batter consistency. Mix gently to just combine; avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This step helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter, ensuring an even distribution without breaking the berries.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture which can affect texture.
- For added sweetness, make a simple glaze by mixing ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk or lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
- To prevent blueberries from sinking, coating them with flour is an essential step.
