Oh, do I have a treat for you! My Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that makes people hover around the kitchen, sneaking bites before it’s even cooled. It all started when I had a pint of blueberries about to go bad and a block of cream cheese staring at me from the fridge. What came out of that happy accident is now my most requested recipe – tender, buttery bread swirled with pockets of juicy berries and ribbons of sweet cream cheese. The first time I made it, my neighbor texted me at 10pm asking for the recipe after “just one little taste.” That’s when I knew this wasn’t just good – it was dangerously good. Perfect for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this bread walks the beautiful line between dessert and “oh go on, it’s practically health food!”
- Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
- Storing and Reheating Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread FAQs
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Trust me, this isn’t your average quick bread – it’s the kind of recipe that’ll make you feel like a baking rockstar with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s my go-to:
- That perfect texture – The sour cream keeps it unbelievably moist while the cream cheese swirl adds pockets of creamy richness
- Bursting with flavor – Sweet blueberries and tangy cream cheese create the most addictive sweet-tart combination
- Foolproof to make – No fancy techniques needed, just simple mixing and layering (perfect for beginner bakers!)
- Versatile superstar – Equally at home on a brunch table as it is with your afternoon tea or as a midnight snack (no judgment here)
Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why my friends keep “accidentally” showing up when I make this!
Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy bread – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role! I’ve learned through many batches that quality matters here, especially with the cream cheese and berries. Pro tip: set everything out about 30 minutes before baking so ingredients come to room temperature – it makes all the difference in getting that perfect texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (I use fine sea salt)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (real butter only – no substitutes!)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature is key)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat for best results)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (tossed with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (block style, not whipped)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the cream cheese swirl)
See? Nothing too fancy – just good, simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Now let’s get baking!
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making this bread is easier than you think, but I’ve got some little tricks that’ll take it from good to “oh-my-goodness-I-need-another-slice” amazing. Follow these steps and you’ll have the most gorgeous loaf with those beautiful purple berry streaks and creamy swirls.
Preparing the Batter
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan really well. I like to use butter and a light dusting of flour, or you can use that baking spray with flour in it. Now, grab two bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
In the first bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Don’t skip the whisking – it makes sure everything’s evenly distributed. In the other bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream until just combined.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I do this in about three additions, mixing just until the flour disappears. Overmixing is the enemy here! Toss those beautiful blueberries with a tablespoon of flour (this keeps them from sinking to the bottom) and gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.
Layering with Cream Cheese
Here’s where the magic happens! In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Pour half of your blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Now dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter – I like to use a spoon and make little blobs all over. Then carefully spread it out with the back of the spoon, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges (this keeps the cream cheese from sticking to the pan).
Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out gently. For a pretty swirl effect, take a butter knife and make a few figure-eight motions through the batter – but don’t overdo it! You want distinct ribbons of cream cheese, not a completely mixed mess.
Baking and Cooling
Pop that beauty in the oven and set your timer for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, do the toothpick test – stick it in the center and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done. If not, give it another 5-10 minutes. My loaves usually take about 55 minutes, but ovens vary.
Here’s the hardest part – let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. I know, I know, the smell is intoxicating and you want to dive right in, but trust me, letting it cool ensures those cream cheese swirls set properly and you get clean slices. If you cut it too soon, it’ll be a gooey mess (delicious, but messy!).
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
After making this bread more times than I can count (and taste-testing every single one!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Room temp is key – Cold ingredients don’t blend well and can make your bread dense. Let everything sit out for 30 minutes first
- Mix with a light hand – Overmixing develops gluten and makes bread tough. Stop as soon as ingredients are combined
- Flour those berries – Tossing blueberries in flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom during baking
- Check early – Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes. The toothpick should have moist crumbs, not wet batter
- Patience pays off – Let it cool completely before slicing for perfect cream cheese swirls that hold their shape
Follow these simple tips and you’ll get bakery-quality results every time!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to improvise! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that still give great results:
- Frozen blueberries? No problem! Just toss them in frozen (no thawing) and add 5 extra minutes to bake time
- Out of sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully – same tang, same moisture
- No cream cheese? Mascarpone makes a lovely rich alternative, or skip the swirl for a simpler blueberry loaf
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – the texture comes out surprisingly well
Just remember – fresh ingredients always give the best flavor, but these swaps save the day in a pinch!
Storing and Reheating Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Here’s how to keep your bread tasting fresh – if it lasts that long! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cream cheese swirl stays perfectly creamy this way. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions wrapped in foil – they’ll keep for a month. When that craving hits, just pop a frozen slice in the toaster oven for 5 minutes at 300°F. The gentle heat brings back that just-baked warmth without drying it out. My secret? A quick 10-second microwave zap before toasting makes it taste like it just came out of the oven!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread FAQs
I get asked about this recipe all the time, so here are answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen and inbox:
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just toss them in frozen – no need to thaw. The extra moisture might mean adding 5-10 minutes to your bake time. Pro tip: rinse frozen berries under cold water first to remove any ice crystals, then pat dry and flour them like you would fresh ones.
Why does my cream cheese swirl disappear into the batter?
This usually happens if the cream cheese mixture is too runny. Make sure your cream cheese is softened but still cool – not warm and melty. Also, that 1/2-inch border around the edges when spreading is crucial to keep it from touching the pan sides where it can bake into the bread.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
Three tricks: 1) Don’t overmix the batter, 2) Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and 3) Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing. That last 15 minutes of pan-cooling lets the structure set properly. If it’s still an issue, try placing your loaf pan on a preheated baking sheet.
Can I make this into muffins instead?
You bet! Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add a teaspoon of cream cheese mixture, then top with more batter. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. They make perfect individual portions – just watch them closely as they bake faster than a loaf.
Why did my blueberries all sink to the bottom?
The flour coating is your best friend here! Always toss berries with about a tablespoon of flour before folding them in. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin – if it seems runny, add an extra tablespoon of flour. Frozen berries tend to sink more, so I often reserve a handful to press into the top before baking for pretty presentation.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice (based on 12 servings per loaf): About 220 calories, 10g fat, 28g carbs, and 4g protein. Remember, these are just estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and berry size. But let’s be real – when something tastes this good, who’s counting?
Share Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread!
I’d love to see your beautiful loaves! Snap a photo, tag me, and share your baking triumphs (or hilarious fails – we’ve all been there!). Happy baking, friends!
PrintMoist Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe in 5 Simple Steps
A delicious and moist blueberry cream cheese bread that combines sweet blueberries with rich cream cheese for a perfect treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in blueberries.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Spread cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar over the batter. Top with remaining batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Dust blueberries with flour to prevent sinking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: blueberry bread, cream cheese bread, easy dessert, homemade bread