Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

This blueberry cream cheese bread combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with bursts of sweet-tart blueberries for a slice that's perfect with morning coffee or as an afternoon treat. The surprise cream cheese layer hidden inside creates a moist, indulgent texture that elevates this from ordinary quick bread to something truly special.

I first developed this recipe when looking for something special to bring to a neighborhood brunch. The plate was empty within minutes and I've been getting requests for it ever since. The combination of tender bread and creamy filling has become my signature contribution to gatherings.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure while keeping the bread tender
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together for the ideal rise and texture
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor while letting you control the salt content
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of berries without overwhelming them
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture
• Vanilla extract: Enhances both the bread and cream cheese filling
• Milk: Adds necessary moisture for a tender crumb
• Fresh or frozen blueberries: Bring bursts of flavor throughout the bread
• Cream cheese: Creates that luxurious filling that makes this bread special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 350°F. The right temperature ensures even baking throughout. Take time to properly grease your 9x5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. This makes removing the finished bread much easier and prevents sticking.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This even distribution prevents pockets of leavening agents and ensures consistent texture throughout your bread.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This typically takes 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This process incorporates air into the batter which helps create a tender crumb.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract. Adding eggs individually allows them to emulsify properly with the butter mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with milk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined after each addition. Overmixing develops gluten which can make your bread tough.

Fold in Blueberries:

Gently fold flour-coated blueberries into the batter using a spatula with a light hand. The flour coating helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until completely smooth. Take your time here to ensure there are no lumps which could affect the texture of your filling.

Assemble the Layers:

Pour half the bread batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it with a spatula. Add the cream cheese mixture in an even layer. Top with remaining batter, carefully spreading to cover the cream cheese completely.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the final 15 minutes.

Cool Properly:

Let the bread cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This initial cooling in the pan allows the structure to set while finishing on the rack prevents soggy sides.

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The blueberries are truly the star of this recipe. I prefer using wild blueberries when available because their intense flavor creates pockets of bright fruitiness throughout the bread. My family knows summer has officially arrived when this bread appears on our weekend breakfast table.

Storing Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

This bread keeps remarkably well due to its moisture content. Store completely cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. The flavor actually improves after a day as the blueberry essence permeates throughout the loaf.

Berry Substitutions

While blueberries are classic, this recipe works beautifully with other berries too. Raspberries offer a tart contrast to the sweet cream cheese, while blackberries bring a deeper flavor profile. Mixed berries create a colorful interior when sliced. Whatever berry you choose, maintain the same quantity and remember to toss them in flour before adding to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile bread shines at breakfast alongside coffee or tea, but also makes a wonderful dessert when slightly warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch gatherings, slice it thinly and arrange on a platter with other baked goods. The beautiful purple streaks from the blueberries make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

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This blueberry cream cheese bread brings together the perfect balance of texture and flavor to delight anyone who tries it. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this loaf truly shines.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this bread. Just make sure to toss them in 1 tablespoon of flour while still frozen (don't thaw them) before folding into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and bleeding too much color into the batter.

→ How should I store this bread?

Due to the cream cheese filling, this bread should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

→ Why do you toss the blueberries in flour?

Coating blueberries in flour helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter instead of sinking to the bottom during baking. The flour creates a barrier that helps the berries stick to the batter as it rises and sets.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?

Yes, you could replace the cream cheese filling with a streusel topping, a lemon curd layer, or simply omit it for a pure blueberry bread. However, the cream cheese creates a wonderful moisture and flavor contrast that makes this bread special.

→ Why did my bread crack on top?

A crack on top is actually normal and desirable for quick breads like this one. It happens as the exterior sets before the interior is fully baked, and the interior continues to rise. It gives the bread an attractive, rustic appearance.