Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: A Sweet and Creamy Delight

Looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a satisfying snack? This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of tart blueberries and smooth, creamy cheese filling, all packed into a moist, flavorful loaf. It’s easy to make, looks stunning with its colorful bursts of blueberries, and tastes utterly irresistible. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or a sweet dessert, this bread will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 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 for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light and airy.
6. Fold in Blueberries:
   Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Bread:
   Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it out evenly.
9. Bake the Bread:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
10. Cool and Serve:
    Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread:

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries:
   Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain them to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients:
   Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter and a more tender loaf.
3. Avoid Overmixing:
   When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense.
4. Streusel Topping:
   For extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a simple streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour over the batter before baking.
5. Storage & Freezing:
   Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Warm or Cold:
  Enjoy a slice warm, with a pat of butter for a comforting breakfast, or chilled with a defined cream cheese swirl.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea:
  This blueberry cream cheese bread is perfect with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or iced coffee for a delightful treat any time of day.
• Add a Glaze:
  Drizzle a lemon or vanilla glaze over the top of the bread for an extra burst of flavor. Simply mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla or lemon juice to create a smooth glaze.

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Conclusion:

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tart sweetness of blueberries with a rich cream cheese filling. It’s a perfect option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The recipe is simple to follow, making it easy to whip up whenever you’re craving something homemade and delicious.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
   Yes! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries are great alternatives.
2. How can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
3. Can I freeze the bread?
   Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
   Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for a delightful crunch.
5. How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?
   Make sure the first layer of batter is spread evenly and isn’t too thin. You can also slightly swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter for better distribution.