There’s something truly comforting about homemade bread, isn’t there? The way the warm aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace—it just feels like home. This *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* is one of my absolute favorites because it beautifully blends the tartness of fresh blueberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my friends at a brunch, and their eyes lit up when they took that first bite. The burst of juicy blueberries paired with that smooth, decadent filling is simply unforgettable. It’s a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet is so easy to whip up! I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (you can use frozen if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Making this *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* is a breeze, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this deliciousness! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can whip it up with confidence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your batter’s ready to go.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk it all together until combined—this ensures even rising!
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. I usually do this for about 2-3 minutes—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Add the softened cream cheese to the butter mixture and beat until everything is well blended. You want that creamy goodness to be evenly distributed.
- Next, incorporate the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it; a few lumps are okay!
- Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until you see no more flour streaks—again, don’t overmix!
- Finally, fold in those gorgeous fresh blueberries. Do this gently so they don’t break apart; we want those lovely berry bursts in every slice!
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top if you’d like. Bake it in the oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep it moist and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
- Deliciously moist with a delightful creamy filling, making every bite a treat.
- Fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes it so inviting.
- Versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack any time of the day.
- Can easily be customized with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, like nuts or a drizzle of glaze.
- Great for sharing! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh for days, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips to share!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that lovely creamy texture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and nobody wants that!
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but if you can’t find them, frozen ones work just as well! Just toss them in a little flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking.
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the 60-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
- Cool properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from getting soggy and keeps that moist texture!
- Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze slices; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious loaf that your loved ones will adore! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* baked to perfection, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! This bread is so versatile, and I love pairing it with a few different options to elevate the experience even more.
- Spread it with butter: A simple pat of butter on a warm slice takes it to another level. The creaminess melts right in, making each bite utterly delightful!
- Top with cream cheese frosting: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy touch that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream: This adds a lovely lightness, perfect for a brunch treat or dessert. It feels like a special occasion every time!
- Pair with your favorite beverage: A nice cup of coffee or tea makes a great match. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it with a glass of sparkling lemonade for a refreshing twist!
- Serve alongside yogurt: A scoop of plain or flavored yogurt can balance out the sweetness and add a nice creamy contrast. It’s great for breakfast or a light snack!
Whatever you choose, this bread is sure to impress. It’s all about finding what makes your taste buds dance—so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into your *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread*! While it’s a delightful treat, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re indulging in. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, if you swap out the butter for a healthier alternative or choose a different type of flour, those numbers might change a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying every delicious bite, right? Happy baking and savoring!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious!
Why are my blueberries sinking to the bottom?
Sinking blueberries can happen if they’re too wet or if the batter is too thin. To prevent this, toss your blueberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay suspended in the bread as it bakes!
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can mix in other berries like raspberries or strawberries, or even add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to the blueberries for best results.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Your *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. It should also have a lovely golden-brown color on top. If it looks too brown before the center is done, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your *Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread* fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Proper storage is key to maintaining that wonderful flavor and texture.
First off, if you find yourself with any leftovers (lucky you!), let the bread cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and delicious! You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure to keep it covered—nobody wants stale bread!
If you really want to extend its life, you can freeze slices of the bread. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. This way, you can pull out a slice whenever the craving hits! The bread will be good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
For reheating, I recommend slicing off a piece and warming it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until it’s just warmed through. You can also toast it for a few minutes in a toaster oven if you like a crispy edge. Either way, enjoy that comforting aroma filling your kitchen all over again!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: 7 Irresistible Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful bread with a creamy cheese filling and fresh blueberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add cream cheese and mix well.
- Incorporate eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in blueberries gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute frozen blueberries.
- Good with a glaze on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread