Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of butter, eggs, and milk creates a moist bread, while the blueberries add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.
- Creamy Swirl: The cream cheese filling adds a rich, tangy layer that complements the sweetness of the bread and blueberries.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this bread is simple to prepare and bake.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, as a snack with your afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set 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.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a dense bread.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the remaining bread batter, spreading it evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the remaining batter, then spoon them over the top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Berry Blend: Mix in other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk. For a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?
Ensure the bread batter is thick enough to support the cream cheese filling. Spreading the cream cheese filling over the first layer of batter and then topping it with the remaining batter can help keep it in place.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delicious loaf that combines the tartness of fresh blueberries with a creamy, rich cream cheese filling. This moist, flavorful bread makes for an excellent breakfast, snack, or dessert. With its sweet, tangy, and buttery elements, it’s a versatile treat that will soon become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the remaining bread batter and gently fold the blueberries into it before spooning them on top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a berry twist, try mixing in raspberries or blackberries.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing citrus flavor.
