Quick breads offer comforting simplicity, perfect for any time of day. This delightful blueberry cream cheese loaf elevates that charm with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl. Each slice bursts with juicy, fresh blueberries, creating an irresistible treat. You will love how easy it is to prepare, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
You are sure to fall in love with this recipe for many reasons:
- Moist, Tender Crumb: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an exceptionally moist and tender texture.
- Sweet-Tart Blueberry Bursts: Every bite delivers a delightful pop of sweet-tart blueberry flavor.
- Rich, Tangy Cream Cheese Swirl: The hidden cream cheese pocket adds a lovely tangy contrast to the sweet loaf.
- Easy, One-Bowl Preparation: Most of the mixing happens in a single bowl, making cleanup incredibly simple.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
- Excellent Make-Ahead Potential: It keeps wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or gifting.
Ingredients
Get ready to bake the most irresistible blueberry cream cheese loaf with these simple ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients truly make a difference in the final taste and texture of your loaf.
- 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
Tossing blueberries with a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
As explained by baking experts, room temperature ingredients cream together smoothly for an even batter.
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature; this helps them cream together smoothly for an even batter. For a different twist, swap blueberries for raspberries or add lemon zest to the batter. You can replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor. While fresh berries are wonderful, frozen blueberries work perfectly too; just don’t thaw them first.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Baking this delicious blueberry cream cheese loaf is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps. Precision in each stage ensures a perfect result every time. Enjoy the process of creating this wonderful treat.
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Next, take two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans. Lightly grease them with butter, cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This ensures your blueberry cream cheese loaf won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Set these prepared pans aside.
In a medium bowl, gently toss the fresh or frozen blueberries with the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This crucial step helps suspend the berries evenly throughout the batter, preventing them from sinking during baking. Delia Online confirms that dusting fruit with flour can prevent it from sinking in a cake or muffin mixture.
Set the floured blueberries aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
Add the large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each egg addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue mixing until each egg is fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth and cohesive. This gradual addition helps maintain the emulsion.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
Finally, gently fold in the floured blueberries using a spatula. Mix until the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Divide the batter equally between the two prepared 9×5-inch loaf pans. Ensure the tops are relatively even for consistent baking.
Bake the loaves in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Let the baked blueberry cream cheese loaf cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows the loaves to set up properly. After 10 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of each pan, then invert the loaves onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled, slice your homemade blueberry cream cheese loaf to your desired thickness. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every delicious bite of this delightful treat!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect blueberry cream cheese loaf requires attention to a few key details. Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dense loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Toothpick Test: Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Golden Crust: If your loaf is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Sunken Blueberries: Ensure blueberries are tossed in flour and the batter is not too thin.
- Dry or Crumbly Loaves: This often happens from overbaking or too much flour. Reduce baking time slightly next time.
- Adjust Baking Time: If using different size pans, adjust baking time accordingly; smaller pans need less time.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile blueberry cream cheese loaf is perfect for so many occasions. Serve it warm with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. It makes a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a delightful afternoon snack. For an elevated dessert, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Consider making a simple cream cheese glaze to drizzle over the cooled loaf. Just whisk together powdered sugar, a little softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the loaf.
Storage Tips
Properly storing your blueberry cream cheese loaf will keep it fresh and delicious for longer.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen loaf at room temperature. For best texture, warm slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a toaster oven.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with your blueberry cream cheese loaf to create new favorites.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
- Chopped Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Other Berries: Try this recipe with fresh or frozen raspberries, chopped strawberries, or a mix of berries.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of flour, sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon over the batter before baking.
- White Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips with the blueberries for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
While this blueberry cream cheese loaf offers a delightful treat, it’s good to be mindful of its nutritional content. Each slice provides calories, along with some fat and sugar. Blueberries contribute natural antioxidants and fiber, adding a beneficial element. To slightly lighten the recipe, you can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup or use a lower-fat cream cheese.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Total Fat | 18-22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 150-180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50g |
| Sugars | 30-35g |
| Protein | 5-7g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
FAQ
Got questions about making your perfect loaf? Here are answers to some common inquiries.
- Can I use frozen blueberries without thawing? Yes, absolutely! Toss frozen blueberries directly with flour as instructed. Do not thaw them first.
- How do I prevent blueberries from sinking? Tossing your blueberries in a tablespoon or two of flour before adding them to the batter is the best way. This creates a light coating that helps them suspend.
- Can this recipe be made in muffin tins? Yes, you can bake this batter as muffins. Fill muffin liners two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- How long does the loaf stay fresh? This blueberry cream cheese loaf stays fresh at room temperature for about 3 days in an airtight container, or up to a week if refrigerated.
- Is cream cheese essential, or can I omit it? The cream cheese is key to the loaf’s moist texture and tangy flavor. Omitting it would drastically change the recipe, resulting in a more traditional quick bread.
- Can I make this dairy-free? You can try using dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes, though the texture and flavor may vary. Always choose brands known for good baking performance.
- Why is my loaf dry/crumbly? A dry or crumbly loaf is usually a sign of overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you measure flour correctly and check for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
Conclusion
This delightful blueberry cream cheese loaf truly delivers on flavor and ease, making it a perfect addition to any home baker’s repertoire. With its tender crumb, bursts of sweet blueberries, and the rich tang of cream cheese, it’s an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whip up this easy blueberry cream cheese loaf today and impress your family and friends. It makes a wonderful homemade gift or a comforting indulgence just for you.