Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made it; my kids were little, and the house was filled with the aroma of sweet bread and juicy blueberries. It was a chaotic morning, but that homemade blueberry dessert made everything feel a little brighter. This isn’t just any bread; the cream cheese swirl adds a richness that perfectly complements the burst of blueberry flavor. I always add a touch of extra vanilla – it’s my little signature. Whether you call it blueberry cream cheese loaf or just a delicious way to start the day, you’re going to love this recipe for easy blueberry bread with cream cheese. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- It’s unbelievably moist and delicious – every bite is a treat!
- You’ll get a burst of juicy blueberries in every slice. Trust me, it’s heavenly.
- It’s the perfect partner for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is so easy to follow.
- Got fresh blueberries? This is the BEST way to use them up!
- Watch your friends and family rave about your baking skills.
- It’s a kid-friendly snack that even picky eaters will adore.
- Make a loaf (or two!) and freeze it for those moments when you need a quick treat.
Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make this amazing blueberry cream cheese bread. I always say, good ingredients make for a good bake, so let’s get started!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft—it creams better and gives the bread a tender crumb.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese is the way to go for that rich, tangy flavor, and softening it ensures a smooth batter.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the bread’s structure and browning. You can use a little less if you prefer a less sweet bread.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on this!
- 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture and richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the bread. Make sure to measure it accurately!
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This helps the bread rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour: Fresh blueberries are best, but if you’re using frozen, don’t forget to thaw them and pat them dry! Tossing them in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom, so don’t skip this step!
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – baking this delicious blueberry cream cheese bread! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant loaf in no time. Trust me, the aroma alone is worth it!
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans. I like to use a little butter and then dust with flour to make sure the bread comes out easily.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. You want it to be pale and airy—that’s the key to a tender crumb.
- Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The batter should look smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the bread tough.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the flour-coated fresh blueberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This is where you want to be gentle—you don’t want to crush the blueberries or turn the batter blue!
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary!
- Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. I know it’s tempting, but resist the urge to slice it while it’s still warm—it’ll be easier to slice and taste even better once it’s cooled down.
Pro Tips for the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Want to take your blueberry cream cheese bread from good to absolutely AMAZING? Here are a few of my tried-and-true secrets that always deliver perfect results. These little tweaks really do make a difference in this delicious cream cheese bread!
What’s the secret to perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread?
It’s all about room temperature ingredients! Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures a super smooth batter, which translates to a tender, evenly baked blueberry loaf. Trust me, it makes a world of difference for this homemade blueberry bread!
Can I make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cream cheese blueberry bread is fantastic for meal prep. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s just as delicious the next day (if it lasts that long!).
How do I avoid common mistakes with Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread?
The biggest mistake? Overmixing the batter! Once you add the flour, mix only until everything is just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten and can lead to a tough, dense blueberry bread. So, be gentle, and you’ll be rewarded with a light, tender crumb!
Best Ways to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Okay, so you’ve baked this gorgeous blueberry cream cheese bread – now what? Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious blueberry treat. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of these!
- Serve a slice warm with a pat of melting butter. It’s simple, classic, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s the perfect little pick-me-up! I especially love it as a mid-morning snack.
- Toast a slice and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra fresh blueberries for a super simple (but impressive!) dessert.
Nutrition Facts for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutrition per slice of this yummy blueberry cream cheese bread. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, and they can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, it’s good to have an idea, right?
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 353mg
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
Note: This is an estimated nutritional information.
How to Store and Reheat Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
So, you’ve got this beautiful blueberry cream cheese bread, and you want to keep it fresh, right? Here’s exactly how I handle storing and reheating this delicious blueberry treat, so it tastes just as amazing as the day you baked it. Trust me, a little care goes a long way!
- To store, wrap the blueberry loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and keeps those flavors locked in.
- It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Though, let’s be honest, it rarely lasts that long in my house! If you want to keep your cream cheese bread longer, pop it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the homemade blueberry bread for up to 2 months. I like to slice it before freezing, so I can grab a piece whenever a craving hits.
- To reheat, thaw completely and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. If you’re just reheating a slice, microwave it for 20-30 seconds – just enough to take the chill off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Got questions about making the perfect blueberry cream cheese bread? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my tried-and-true tips for baking success. Let’s get those baking mysteries solved!
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just fine in this cream cheese blueberry bread. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
Will frozen blueberries affect the color of the bread? They might bleed a little more than fresh blueberries, giving your batter a slightly bluish tint. But don’t worry, it won’t affect the flavor!
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, Neufchatel cheese can be used as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese in this blueberry loaf. It has a similar texture but a slightly lighter flavor.
Will using a different cheese change the taste? Yes, it will. Neufchatel has a tang that isn’t quite as pronounced as cream cheese, so the final homemade blueberry dessert will be a bit less rich and tangy.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have loaf pans?
A: No loaf pans? No problem! You can easily bake this blueberry bread with cream cheese as muffins. Just fill muffin liners about ¾ full and adjust the baking time accordingly.
How long should I bake the muffins? Start checking for doneness around 18-20 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Q: Can I add a glaze to this bread?
A: Oh, you absolutely can! A simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of lemon juice is a fantastic addition to this delicious cream cheese bread. It adds extra sweetness and a lovely zingy flavor.
How do I make a powdered sugar glaze? Just whisk together about 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice (or milk) until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled bread and enjoy!
Variations of Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread You Can Try
Want to switch things up a bit with your blueberry cream cheese bread? Here are a few fun and easy variations that I absolutely adore. Each one adds a unique twist to this already amazing cream cheese bread. Let’s get creative!
- Lemon Blueberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist. It complements the blueberries beautifully! Trust me; the lemon blueberry loaf is a game-changer.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Now everyone can enjoy this delicious blueberry bread!
- Vegan: Use vegan butter, cream cheese, and an egg replacement to make this blueberry bread with cream cheese completely plant-based. It’s surprisingly delicious and a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Streusel Topping: Add a crumbly streusel topping for extra sweetness and texture. Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter, then sprinkle it over the batter before baking. A blueberry bread with a streusel topping? Yes, please!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: Shockingly Easy, Faultless
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a quick and simple recipe. It is moist and full of flavor with juicy blueberries. This bread pairs well with coffee or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened/unsalted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups flour, all-purpose
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2 loaf pans (9×5).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs.
- Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Once combined, carefully fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pans evenly.
- Place into preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and slicing.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for best results.
- Tossing blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 353mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
