If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines tangy cream cheese with the sweet burst of blueberries, look no further than this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and tender textures all baked into a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a snack to brighten your afternoon, or just want something homemade that feels special, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Each bite offers a subtle tang from the cream cheese balanced by juicy blueberries, creating a satisfying, unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this scrumptious bread. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds all the flavors together with a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, giving it a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness in the bread.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread delicately without overpowering the blueberries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes throughout the bread.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Give each slice bursts of juicy, fresh flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens the flavor with a citrusy zing that complements the blueberries.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple first step sets you up for baking success.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking the extra moment to mix these thoroughly helps create an even rise and a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale. This stage is crucial because it traps air that will make your bread soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add your eggs, mixing well after each addition so everything blends smoothly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a lovely warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Fold in Blueberries
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the blueberries and optional lemon zest to distribute these wonderfully fresh bursts of flavor throughout your batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the bread set and improves the texture when you slice it.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, snowy finish to this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. For a more indulgent touch, spread a thin layer of room-temperature cream cheese or a drizzle of honey on top of each slice.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite hot beverage, like freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of herbal tea. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side to complement the bread’s creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve thick slices stacked attractively on a wooden board or wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift. You can also toast slices lightly and top with a smear of butter for a crispy, warm experience that elevates the blueberry and cream cheese flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful, ready to enjoy as a quick breakfast or sweet snack.
Freezing
The Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave. This refreshes the cream cheese’s creaminess and slightly softens the bread, making every bite feel just baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. Just toss them lightly in flour before folding in to prevent them from sinking and coloring your batter too much.
Is cream cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is essential for that signature creamy texture and tangy flavor this bread is known for. While you could try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta, the taste and texture will differ.
How can I make this bread dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese. Keep in mind this may alter the texture slightly but can still deliver delicious results.
What’s the best way to ensure the bread cooks evenly?
Avoid opening the oven door frequently, which can cause temperature fluctuations. Using an oven thermometer can also help maintain consistent heat. Make sure your loaf pan is properly greased to prevent sticking.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! While blueberries are the star, feel free to experiment with raspberries, chopped strawberries, or a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts for added crunch and flavor variation.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is truly one of those comforting, all-time favorites that feels both special and approachable. It’s perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends, and the blend of creamy richness with bright blueberries is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to bake a loaf yourself — it just might become the recipe you reach for again and again.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and delicious loaf perfect for breakfast or dessert. It combines a creamy batter made with softened butter and cream cheese, studded with fresh or frozen blueberries, and optionally brightened with lemon zest. Baked to golden perfection, this bread is wonderfully tender and bursting with fresh fruit flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine and Add Blueberries: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries and lemon zest, if using, being careful not to break the berries.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: 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
- Use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a nice brightness that complements the blueberries.
- This bread can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For best results, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
