If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that combines the luscious creaminess of cheese with the burst of fresh berries, then this Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Every bite offers a moist, tender crumb dotted with juicy blueberries and a rich cream cheese swirl that elevates the loaf from simple to spectacular. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, this loaf will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such a complex flavor profile and perfect texture in this loaf. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter and cream cheese that add richness, to the blueberries providing vibrant color and fruity sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups, 220g): The backbone of your loaf, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the loaf rise and become airy.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds extra lift and lightness to the batter.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup, 115g): Contributes to a moist, flavorful loaf with a delicate crumb.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces, 115g): Adds a silky richness that makes this loaf irresistibly creamy.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, 150g): Sweetness that keeps the flavors vibrant and bright.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, 50g): Offers a subtle caramel note for extra depth.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness and adds warmth.
- Milk (½ cup, 120ml): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 ½ cups, 225g): The star ingredient giving bursts of juicy flavor throughout; tossing them in flour prevents sinking.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, 120g): For the optional glaze, adding a sweet, delicate finish.
- Milk or cream (2-3 tablespoons): Used in the glaze for a smooth drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a lovely aroma to the glaze.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend ensures even distribution, so your loaf rises perfectly and has consistent texture throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial to incorporate air, making your loaf beautifully tender rather than dense.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely fragrant note that ties your loaf’s flavors together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here, as it can make the loaf tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in the flour-coated blueberries, carefully distributing them without breaking the berries or overworking the batter. This step ensures your loaf is dotted with juicy bursts in every slice.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled loaf to add a lovely sweet shine and extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
For an added wow factor, consider topping your loaf slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh blueberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These touches make the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for morning indulgence. If serving as part of brunch, add some fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf thickly and serving it with a smear of lemon curd or honey butter. You can also turn leftovers into French toast for a playful twist that breathes new life into your Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
To keep your Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe fresh longer, freeze the wrapped loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave until just warm. This brings out the cream cheese richness and the luscious blueberry flavors, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just toss the frozen blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and keeps your loaf evenly studded with berries.
Is cream cheese necessary for this loaf?
Yes, the cream cheese adds a distinctive creamy texture and subtle tang that sets this loaf apart from a typical blueberry bread. It helps keep the crumb moist and tender.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk work well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the loaf’s sweetness.
How do I know when the loaf is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the loaf is perfectly baked. If batter sticks, it needs more time in the oven.
Can I double this recipe for a larger loaf?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger loaf pan or two smaller pans. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick once you reach about 60 minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
The Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is one of those magical bakes that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend brunch or packing it for a sweet snack, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your favorite go-to loaf too!
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist and tender quick bread bursting with fresh blueberries and a creamy, tangy cream cheese base. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it features a delicate vanilla glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch. Baked to golden perfection, this loaf offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
Fruit
- 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the batter.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is important to incorporate air into the batter for a tender loaf.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf tough.
- Fold in blueberries: Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter carefully to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled loaf for a sweet finish.
Notes
- To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to ensure a tender crumb.
- Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
