Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bread Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberries:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (you can substitute with frozen, but be sure to drain excess moisture)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss with the blueberries, helps prevent sinking during baking)
Optional Toppings or Variations:
- Zest It Up: Consider adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Nuts About It: For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the bread batter.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Glaze It: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
Instructions
Follow these steps for a flavorful, moist loaf that showcases the deliciousness of blueberries and the richness of cream cheese.
Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial for proper rising.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in two large eggs, one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Next, add the softened cream cheese to the mixture. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain from the cream cheese.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed to combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries with a spatula. Take care not to crush them, as this will preserve their shape and results in a beautiful loaf.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake and Cool
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 60–70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use Quality Ingredients
Quality matters when it comes to the flavor profile of your blueberry bread. Choose fresh blueberries, as frozen ones can add excess moisture and might change the texture. A good-quality cream cheese will elevate the taste significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 363kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 353mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
Keywords: blueberry bread, blueberry cream cheese bread, quick bread