Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a moist, tender crumb and a delicious swirl of cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make quick bread combines the bright flavor of fresh blueberries with a rich, creamy filling, creating a delectable dessert or breakfast option. The combination of blueberries and cream cheese offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making each bite a satisfying treat.

This bread is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a breakfast on the go, or a dessert to serve after dinner. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a great way to bring a little extra joy to your day. The cream cheese filling adds a luscious touch that complements the fruity burst of blueberries in every slice. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. The creamy, tangy filling paired with the sweet, tender bread makes for a heavenly combination that will delight your taste buds. The blueberries add bursts of freshness and flavor, while the cream cheese filling provides a luxurious richness that takes this bread to the next level.

The recipe is simple and quick, and it can be made ahead of time. The bread stays moist for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead dessert for family gatherings, brunches, or celebrations. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a delicious snack later, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk (or buttermilk)
Fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in flour)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract

Variations

Fruit Variations: While blueberries are the star of this recipe, you can easily swap them for other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Just make sure to toss the fruit in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
Nutty Twist: For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter before baking. This will add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Spices: Add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the bread batter for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the blueberries.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

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 for easy removal of the bread after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk (or buttermilk), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

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

Step 5: Combine the Blueberries and Flour

Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread as it bakes.

Step 6: Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining bread batter. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the cream cheese filling into the bread batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until done.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy bread.
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 bread during baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin baking.
Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so start checking the bread for doneness at 55 minutes. If the center isn’t fully set, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.

How to Serve

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet breakfast or snack, or served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also top it with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh blueberries, or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. It’s a versatile dish that works beautifully for any time of the day, whether it’s a leisurely brunch or a simple afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bread has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm, humid climate, it’s best to refrigerate the bread to keep it fresh for a longer period.

Freezing

You can freeze Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the toaster oven until heated through.

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 to the bottom.

2. Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?

Yes, you can use buttermilk in place of regular milk for a slightly tangier flavor and added moisture.

3. Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese filling?

Yes, you can make a simple blueberry bread by omitting the cream cheese filling. The bread will still be delicious and flavorful with the blueberries.

4. How long will this bread last?

The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, it may last a bit longer.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Cream cheese gives this recipe its characteristic tanginess, but you can try other soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta if you prefer.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two loaf pans or one larger pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Can I add spices to the bread?

Yes, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for added flavor. Start with a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, comforting taste.

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

Swirl the cream cheese filling gently into the batter, but be careful not to overmix. The flour-coated blueberries will also help prevent sinking.

9. Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and creamy richness. The moist, tender bread and tangy cream cheese filling make each slice a delightful treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this bread is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy a slice (or two) and savor the sweet, comforting flavors!