Get ready to discover your new favorite quick bread! This delightful blueberry cream cheese loaf boasts an incredibly moist texture and a rich, satisfying flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s remarkably easy to make, even for beginners, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Perfect as a comforting breakfast, a lovely brunch addition, or a sweet afternoon treat, this versatile loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
You’ll adore this cream cheese blueberry bread for so many reasons! Its unique combination of butter and cream cheese creates an unparalleled moistness, ensuring every bite is tender and rich.
- Enjoy juicy bursts of sweet blueberries in every single slice.
- The preparation is incredibly simple, often requiring just one mixing bowl.
- This recipe yields two generous loaves, perfect for sharing with loved ones or freezing for later.
- It’s wonderfully versatile, ideal for breakfast, a special brunch, or a comforting dessert.
- Everyone raves about the perfect balance of creamy tang and sweet fruit.
Ingredients
To create your amazing blueberry cream cheese loaf, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Notes & Substitutions
When using blueberries, fresh or frozen both work beautifully. If using frozen, do not thaw them; simply toss them with flour as instructed. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter. For a different flavor profile, swap vanilla extract for lemon or almond extract. You can also experiment with pastry flour for a slightly softer crumb. Adjust the granulated sugar amount to suit your personal sweetness preference.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes the process smoother. You will need:
- Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Instructions
Creating this delicious blueberry quick bread is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Set them aside.
- Coat Blueberries: In a small bowl, gently toss the blueberries with the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This coating helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your loaf during baking. Set them aside for later.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition, scraping the bowl to ensure everything is well combined before adding the next egg.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the floured blueberries using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Fill Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking around 40 minutes.
- Cool: Let the loaves cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This allows them to set before removal. After 10 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of each pan and invert the loaves onto the wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once fully cooled, slice your blueberry cream cheese loaf, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the best cream cheese loaf is easy with a few simple tricks. For a consistently smooth batter and tender crumb, culinary experts emphasize the crucial role of understanding the importance of room temperature ingredients in baking. Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese; this ensures your batter is smooth and incorporates air properly, leading to a tender crumb. Avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added; mix only until just combined to prevent a tough, dense texture. When dusting blueberries with flour, use a light hand to coat them evenly without clumping. To check if your loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the very center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops too much gluten, resulting in a tough bread.
- Not greasing/flouring pans adequately: Your delicious loaf might stick, making removal difficult.
- Failing to dust blueberries: Without flour, blueberries tend to sink to the bottom during baking. For successful baking, learn more about the science behind preventing fruit from sinking in batter.
- Slicing the loaf before it’s fully cooled: This can cause it to crumble or appear gummy. Patience yields perfect slices.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This blueberry cream cheese loaf is wonderful on its own, but feel free to elevate it! Serve warm slices alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, or you can drizzle a quick lemon glaze over the cooled loaves. It’s perfect for breakfast, a lovely addition to any brunch spread, or a satisfying sweet snack.
Storage Instructions
Keep your loaf fresh for longer with proper storage.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled loaves tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap completely cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your blueberry bread!
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Mixed Berries: Substitute or combine blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries.
- Nuts/Streusel: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or add a simple streusel topping before baking.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Reserve a small portion of the creamed mixture, mix it with a spoonful of flour, and swirl it into the batter in the pan before baking.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Factors such as specific ingredient brands and exact measurements can affect the final values. If precise nutritional data is required, we recommend calculating it based on the exact ingredients and serving sizes you use.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15-18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9-11 g |
| Cholesterol | 60-70 mg |
| Sodium | 150-180 mg |
| Total Carbs | 32-38 g |
| Sugars | 20-25 g |
| Protein | 4-5 g |
Common allergens present in this recipe include dairy, eggs, and wheat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen blueberries for this blueberry cream cheese loaf? Yes, absolutely! Just be sure not to thaw them before tossing them with flour.
- How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom? Tossing the blueberries with 2 tablespoons of flour before adding them to the batter is the key to even distribution.
- How long does this loaf stay fresh? When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for 2-3 days. In the refrigerator, it can last up to a week.
- Can I make this in one large loaf pan instead of two? You can, but you will need to significantly increase the baking time, likely up to 70-80 minutes or more.
- What’s the best way to slice a cream cheese loaf cleanly? Ensure the loaf is completely cooled before slicing with a serrated knife. This prevents crumbling.
Conclusion
This delightful blueberry cream cheese loaf truly delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Its incredibly moist crumb, sweet blueberries, and rich cream cheese tang make it an unforgettable treat. We hope you feel confident to bake this easy quick bread, whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out. Embrace the joy of homemade goodness and bring this comforting loaf into your home. We can’t wait to hear about your baking success!