Blueberry cream cheese loaf is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of blueberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese.
This loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Its moist interior, slightly tangy cream cheese swirl, and soft crumb make it irresistible. Even if you’re a beginner in baking, this recipe is simple enough to follow, yet impressive in flavor.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
A blueberry cream cheese loaf is a soft, moist bread that has a sweet cream cheese filling running through the middle, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are folded into a light, buttery batter, giving bursts of juicy flavor in every bite. The top often has a light golden crust, sometimes sprinkled with sugar for a gentle crunch.
This loaf is tender, flavorful, and perfect for both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the loaf:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and egg, and continue to beat until fully combined. Set this filling aside while you prepare the batter.
3. Prepare the Loaf Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in blueberries to prevent them from breaking.
4. Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and gently smooth the surface. Use a knife to lightly swirl the cream cheese into the top layer for a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Loaf
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as is or with a light drizzle of glaze or powdered sugar.
Different Variations
- Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Use a mix of blueberries and raspberries for extra fruity flavor.
- Swap the cream cheese filling for mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust.
- Make mini loaves or muffins for a portable snack.
Nutritional Information
| Ingredient Component | Approx. Amount per Slice (1/12th) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–280 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Loaf
- Prevent sinking: Make sure your cream cheese filling is thick and chilled to avoid it sinking to the bottom.
- Frozen blueberries: If using frozen, do not thaw. Toss them in a small amount of flour to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese should be at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and filling.
- Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry cream cheese loaf pairs wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A dollop of whipped cream for dessert
- Fresh fruit on the side
- A light drizzle of lemon glaze or honey for extra sweetness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the loaf dense and tough. Fold gently to keep it tender.
- Not greasing the pan properly: Always grease or line the pan to prevent sticking.
- Baking at too high a temperature: This may brown the top too fast while leaving the center undercooked.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Cold butter or cream cheese can result in a lumpy batter or filling.
Conclusion
The blueberry cream cheese loaf is a versatile and delicious baked treat that’s simple to make yet elegant enough to impress family and guests.
Its moist texture, fruity bursts, and creamy filling create a perfect harmony of flavors.
By following these instructions and tips, you can create a beautiful loaf every time and even experiment with variations to suit your taste.
Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf is a delightful addition to any table.