Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

When you think about a perfect balance of flavors in a baked good, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread might come to mind. It’s a unique combination that elevates the classic blueberry bread with a creamy twist, making it suitable for various occasions. You might be surprised at how simple it is to whip up this delectable treat, whether you opt for fresh or frozen blueberries. But before you head to the kitchen, there’s more to uncover about the origins and variations of this recipe that could inspire your next baking adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect choice.

You’ll love the flavorful combination of fresh blueberries, rich cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla extract. The moist and soft texture makes each slice a delight, whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Additionally, this recipe can be made with various fruits, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Plus, it pairs nicely with coffee or tea. It’s simple to prepare, using basic ingredients without complicated steps.

You can bake it as full-size loaves, mini loaves, or muffins, adjusting the cooking time as needed. With its creamy layer and vibrant blueberries, this bread is sure to impress at any occasion.

History

While there’s no extensively documented history specific to blueberry cream cheese bread, its roots can be traced through the origins of its key ingredients.

Blueberries have been a staple in North America for centuries, first enjoyed by Indigenous peoples. They gained popularity among European settlers in the 19th century, leading to modern cultivation practices. Fresh blueberries are often preferred for their rich flavor and health benefits, making them a favored choice in various baked goods.

Cream cheese, introduced in the late 19th century, became widely available after the launch of Philadelphia cream cheese in 1872, revolutionizing baking.

The combination of cheese and fruit in pastries has historical ties to Ukrainian and Russian cuisines.

Though blueberry cream cheese bread lacks a clear historical narrative, its delightful blend of flavors reflects centuries of culinary evolution and ingredient appreciation.

Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack any time of day. The addition of a creamy filling enhances the texture and flavor, making each slice a delightful surprise.

Whether you use fresh or frozen blueberries, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Making this bread is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. With a bit of mixing and baking, you’ll have a delicious loaf that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, or serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a special dessert. Additionally, using brick cream cheese ensures a smooth batter without lumps, resulting in a better texture for your bread.

Ingredients:
– 1 to 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 to 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 to 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup milk
– Optional: lemon zest, lemon juice, orange or lemon extract, confectioner’s sugar for glaze

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add the milk and gently fold in the blueberries, tossing them with a little flour beforehand to prevent them from sinking.
6. If using the cream cheese filling, mix the softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar, an egg, and optional flavoring until smooth. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, layer the cream cheese filling on top, and then top with the remaining batter.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time will depend on the size of your loaf.
8. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, prepare a lemon glaze and drizzle it on top before serving.

For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, as this helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking. Don’t skip the step of tossing the blueberries in flour; this will help keep them suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom.

If you have any leftovers, store them in a closed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, and enjoy the flavors as they meld together over time.

Final Thoughts

As you savor each slice of Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread, it’s important to contemplate its nutritional implications.

This delicious treat typically contains between 190 to 200 calories per serving, with a notable amount of carbs and fat. Sugar content can vary widely, ranging from 7g to 34g, so moderation is key. Additionally, this bread has a high caloric density of 333 calories per 100g, which may impact your dietary goals.

Sodium levels might also be a concern, especially if you’re watching your intake, as they can go from 105mg to 610mg per serving.

While this bread can provide carbohydrates, it generally lacks significant vitamins and minerals. Homemade versions allow for ingredient adjustments, helping you control calories and sugar.

FAQ

Got questions about making Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread? First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’ll need 1-2 cups of blueberries, 4-8 ounces of softened cream cheese, and 1-1.5 cups of sugar. Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing. Fresh and frozen blueberries can both be used in this recipe, but it’s recommended to toss frozen ones with flour to prevent bursting. When mixing, beat the cream cheese with sugar and eggs until smooth.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-70 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Let your bread cool before adding a lemon glaze for extra flavor.

Store leftovers at room temperature for a few days or freeze for later.