If you’re in need of a bakery-level treat you can easily whip up at home, look no further than Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread. This cozy, ultra-moist quick bread blends bursts of blueberries with a rich swirl of tangy cream cheese, all nestled in a soft, buttery crumb. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and is equally perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is destined to be a repeat favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to make this gorgeous bread, each one playing a key role in flavor, rise, and texture. Fresh berries, creamy dairy, and a few basics make this recipe not only achievable but utterly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, plush loaf that holds together beautifully.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Give the bread a light lift and keep it from becoming too dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy notes; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds that rich, buttery flavor and ensures a moist crumb.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the bread extra creamy with a lovely, subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a golden exterior.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a bit of fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out all the flavors.
- Milk: Moistens the batter and keeps the bread tender.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with flour): Give juicy pops of fruitiness in each slice without sinking to the bottom.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a bright, zesty finish if you want to amp up the flavor.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and readying your loaf pan. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides so you can easily lift out your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread later. This will also help prevent sticking, so you get perfectly intact slices every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures even leavening and flavor, so don’t just dump the dry ingredients right in — a proper whisk makes all the difference!
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is very light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a silky texture and helps the bread bake up tender. Don’t rush this part — a little extra aeration goes a long way.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to get irresistible!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures With Milk
Now, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two or three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix gently — you want everything just combined for a tender crumb. Over-mixing at this stage can make quick breads tough, so use a gentle hand.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
In a small bowl, toss your blueberries with a teaspoon of flour (this trick keeps them from sinking). Carefully fold them into your batter, being as gentle as possible so you don’t crush the berries or turn the bread blue. Every swirl of fruit should look picture-perfect.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread should turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely — the waiting is the hardest part, but slicing too soon can make your beautiful loaf crumble.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A thick slice of Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is wonderful on its own, but you can upgrade your presentation with a little extra flair. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of lemon glaze, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re in the mood for more color, a sprinkle of fresh blueberries or a grating of lemon zest can make every slice look bakery-case ready.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or alongside a fresh fruit salad for brunch. Even a spread of soft butter or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt complements the creamy, sweet-tart flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or holiday brunches, slice Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread thick, then layer slices into a bread basket lined with a pretty towel. You can also cut it into cubes and thread onto skewers with more berries for a unique take on a fruit board. Feeling decadent? Use leftover slices as the base for French toast or bread pudding. Your guests (and taste buds) will be delighted.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread fresh, wrap any remaining slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, the fridge is best — it’ll keep for up to a week there without losing its moistness. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This bread is freezer-friendly! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices first in plastic wrap and then in foil, or pop into an airtight freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop.
Reheating
If you like your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread warm (who doesn’t?), reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives the just-baked aroma and makes the texture deliciously soft again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread. Just add them straight from the freezer and toss with flour to minimize color bleeding. There’s no need to thaw them first.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Full-fat brick-style cream cheese is ideal here; it gives the bread its signature creamy texture. Avoid whipped or spreadable cream cheeses, which can alter the batter’s consistency.
Why do I need to coat the blueberries in flour?
Tossing the berries with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking. This keeps every bite dotted with juicy berries, rather than a layer of fruit just at the very base.
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Check with a toothpick right in the center — it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Can I make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread gluten-free?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture, but you’ll still get that classic blueberry and cream cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try a fresh, homemade Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread, it’s bound to become part of your regular baking rotation. There’s just something magical about the combination of creamy, tangy richness and pockets of juicy berries — and it’s so simple to make! Go ahead, give it a try, and share the delicious results with those you love.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of blueberries and cream cheese with this moist and flavorful Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 teaspoon flour)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in flour-coated blueberries.
- Bake: Pour batter in the pan and bake for 55–65 minutes until done.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Coating blueberries in flour prevents sinking to the bottom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
