Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

The Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the vibrant flavor of blueberries. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet dessert option. It’s moist, flavorful, and sure to impress family and friends at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be ready in just 60 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and fresh blueberries creates a uniquely sweet and tangy bread that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy this bread warm or cold, as a breakfast item or an afternoon snack—it’s perfect anytime!
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or spices for a personal touch, adapting it to your taste preferences.
• Great for Sharing: With 16 slices per batch, it’s perfect for potlucks, brunches, or simply sharing with loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Loaf pans (9” x 5”)
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in blueberries gently without breaking them, maintaining the integrity of the fruit in your bread.

Ingredients

For this delicious Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread, you will need:

For the Batter

• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 c. blueberries (fresh)
• 1 c. butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs

For the Dry Mixture

• 2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberries

In a mixing bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter during baking. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the remaining flour with baking powder and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the floured blueberries using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into two greased loaf pans (9” x 5”). Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the bread rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of each loaf before flipping them out onto the rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread pairs perfectly with many accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy slices of Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread alongside a medley of fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi for a refreshing contrast.

Spread with Nut Butter

• Slather almond or peanut butter on top of each slice for a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.

With Yogurt

• Serve with a dollop of yogurt, either plain or flavored, to add creaminess and enhance the overall taste experience.

Toasted with Honey

• Lightly toast the bread and drizzle with honey for an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crunch.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include slices on a brunch table alongside other pastries and fresh juices for an inviting spread that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

To achieve the best results with your Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread, follow these helpful tips. These will ensure your bread turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and moisture. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

• Properly Measure Ingredients: For accurate results, spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour, which could make the bread dense.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough bread due to gluten development.

• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with few crumbs, it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

Pair your Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded meal or snack.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious addition that complements your bread’s flavor.

2. Cottage Cheese: A bowl of cottage cheese adds protein and pairs well with sweet slices of blueberry bread.

3. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and balances the richness of the bread.

4. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a hearty side dish that can turn your blueberry bread into a filling breakfast.

5. Chia Seed Pudding: Serve chia seed pudding topped with fruits for an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added texture alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread can be a breeze, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature. Cold ingredients do not mix well and can lead to a dense bread.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy bread.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure the right balance for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the flour coating on blueberries: Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking. Don’t skip this step for even distribution.
• Not checking for doneness: Rely on a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the bread to check if it’s fully baked. It should come out clean to ensure perfect baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread?

Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread is a moist, sweet bread loaded with fresh blueberries and creamy cheese, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

How long does it take to make Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread?

The total time is about 60 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just toss them directly into the batter without thawing.

How do I customize my Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread?

Feel free to add nuts, lemon zest, or even swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or peaches for different flavors!

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Blueberry Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack. You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits or add-ins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!