If you’re looking for a truly irresistible treat to brighten up your breakfast or snack time, look no further than this Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a beautifully balanced loaf bursting with juicy blueberries and a luscious cream cheese swirl that keeps every slice rich, tender, and delightfully moist. Each bite brings together the sweet tang of berries alongside the soft, slightly tangy cream cheese filling, making this bread a standout from your usual loaf recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry essentials and fresh ingredients is all it takes to whip up this show-stopping bread. Every ingredient plays a vital role: the flour lays the foundation, the butter and eggs add richness and moisture, while the blueberries provide bursts of juicy sweetness. The cream cheese layer transforms the texture and flavor into something truly special.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread giving it structure and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise to a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, comforting aroma that rounds out the flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and keeps the bread ultra moist.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen): Bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the bread.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the swirl, creating a creamy, tangy filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
- 1 large egg yolk (for filling): Enriches and binds the filling with a silky texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (for filling): Adds a bright, fresh note that perfectly complements the cream cheese and blueberries.
How to Make Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This sets the perfect environment for your bread to bake evenly. Next, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out cleanly with a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar, the egg yolk, and lemon zest until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. This sweet and tangy filling is what makes this recipe stand apart, adding a dreamy swirl inside your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first ensures your leavening and seasonings are evenly distributed, laying the groundwork for a consistent texture.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this introduces air that helps your bread rise beautifully. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, before folding in the vanilla extract for that aromatic boost.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream or Yogurt
Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt gently. These ingredients bring a tender crumb and a subtle tang that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Blend Dry Ingredients with Wet
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, or the bread could turn dense rather than soft and tender.
Step 7: Gently Fold in Blueberries
Using a spatula, carefully fold in the blueberries, allowing the batter to hold their shape and prevent them from bursting too much. Whether fresh or frozen, these berries will provide glorious pops of juicy sweetness in each slice.
Step 8: Layer Batter and Add Cream Cheese Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then evenly dollop spoonfuls of your cream cheese filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter and filling to create those beautiful marbled ribbons of creamy goodness.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the top—if it starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil to avoid burning while ensuring the inside cooks through perfectly.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes—it helps it firm up and stay intact when removed. Then, transfer to a wire rack so it can cool completely before slicing. This step is essential for clean, beautiful slices that showcase the stunning cream cheese swirl and bursting blueberries.
How to Serve Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple lemon glaze elevates this bread’s presentation and adds a touch of sweetness and tang that pairs perfectly with the berry and cream cheese flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit salad. For a comforting breakfast, add a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, and you have a delightful, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a warm, comforting treat. You could also cut it into cubes to serve as part of a dessert spread with cream cheese frosting or a berry compote for guests. The creamy filling and blueberries make it versatile for brunch or dessert presentations alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed any time you crave a slice of that comforting goodness.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can dry out the bread. A gentle warm-up revives the bread’s tender texture and enhances the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to thaw the blueberries before folding them into the batter. Adding them frozen helps prevent the batter from turning purple or watery, locking in that fresh blueberry burst inside your bread.
What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?
Plain Greek yogurt is the perfect substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides similar moisture and tanginess to keep your bread tender and flavorful.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins instead of one loaf?
Definitely! This batter works wonderfully in mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly—mini loaves or muffins typically bake in 20-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. If there’s wet batter, it needs more time.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this bread?
For sure! You can experiment by adding chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture. Just be mindful of how much you add so the batter remains balanced and bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those delightful creations that feels like a big warm hug in every slice. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, a brunch treat, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy it is to make and impossible to resist! Happy baking!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 standard 9×5 inch loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread features a luscious cream cheese swirl and bursts of fresh blueberries in every bite. Perfectly moist and tender, it combines tangy cream cheese filling with sweet blueberry flecks in a soft, flavorful loaf, ideal for breakfast or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside for layering later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb in the finished bread.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Sour Cream or Yogurt: Mix in the sour cream or plain Greek yogurt until just combined, adding moisture and richness to the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to crush them to keep the bread colorful and bursting with flavor.
- Layer Batter and Cream Cheese: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling evenly over this layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Swirl Filling: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling through the batter to create an attractive marbled effect throughout the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- If the top of the bread browns too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean slices and prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slight tang and added moisture.
