why make this recipe
Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of blueberries. It’s a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. The moist, tender texture and vibrant color of this loaf make it not just delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re a blueberry lover or just looking for a comforting loaf to share, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
how to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Ingredients:
For the loaf:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream or full-fat yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of your loaf.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. The cream cheese adds richness and moisture, making the loaf dense yet soft.
Add the Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the sugar and beat until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix, or your loaf may become dense.
Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula. Be careful not to crush them, as you want to keep those beautiful pockets of juicy berries intact.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Ingredients in the Pan: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter and gently spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out. You can use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (though it may come out with a few crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the loaf set and makes it easier to slice.
how to serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Slice the Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.
how to store Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Store any leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
tips to make Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a nice presentation, consider sprinkling a little sugar on top right before baking.
- If you’re using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before mixing—they can make the batter too wet.
variation
You can add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully. Additionally, consider substituting different berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to create a mixed berry loaf.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may change the texture slightly.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk.
Can I make this loaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the loaf a day ahead and store it in an airtight container for the best flavor.
