Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, tender loaf bursting with fresh blueberries and a creamy tang from the cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it combines the rich flavors of butter and cream cheese with the bright zest of lemon and juicy blueberries, baked to golden perfection in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates the base for a tender loaf texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for additional flavor.
- Combine and Add Blueberries: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread dense. Carefully fold in the blueberries and lemon zest, if using, to distribute them evenly without breaking the berries.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, ensuring clean slices and preserving moisture.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw before folding into the batter to prevent streaking in the loaf.
- Lemon zest adds a bright citrus note but is optional depending on your taste preference.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense loaf.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center; if it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
