Introduction to Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Life gets hectic, doesn’t it? Between juggling work, kids, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But that’s where my Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl comes in! It’s a delightful treasure that not only offers a sweet escape from the chaos but also impresses everyone at the breakfast table or dessert corner. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy, making it the perfect solution for your busy days. It’s simply luscious with every slice!
Why You’ll Love This Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
This delectable bread is not just a treat; it’s a true time-saver! You can whip it up in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings when you crave something delicious. The combination of blueberries and cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at breakfast or as a delightful dessert. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Gathering the right ingredients can be half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure, balance the fluffiness with density in each slice.
- Baking soda: This acts as a leavening agent, ensuring that your bread rises beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor and balances sweetness without being noticeable.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds moisture—perfect for a tender loaf.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy blending, it adds that rich buttery flavor we all love.
- Large eggs: They bring richness, stability, and moisture to the mix. Room temperature works best!
- Vanilla extract: A splash for depth and warmth, bringing all the flavors together.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Replacing some fat in the loaf while keeping it moist and tender.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they burst with flavor—just avoid thawing those frozen gems!
- Cream cheese: The star of the swirl, offering a creamy richness that makes every bite special.
- Granulated sugar (for filling): A little extra sweetness to complement the creamy filling.
- Large egg yolk (for filling): This creates a velvety smooth texture in the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon zest: A hint of zest brightens flavors and adds freshness to the filling.
If you’re missing any ingredients, consider substitutions like Greek yogurt for the sour cream or using a fruit spread if you’re out of cream cheese. You’ll find every ingredient’s exact measurement listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is crucial for ensuring your Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl rises perfectly, baking evenly throughout. While the oven warms up, take a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then flour it lightly. This simple step guarantees that your delightful loaf releases beautifully after baking!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and lemon zest until the mixture is velvety smooth. This luscious filling is what gives our bread that creamy, dreamy swirl. The texture should be similar to a light frosting which spreads easily. Set your filling aside for now, as it will elevate our bread to the next level!
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first is essential for even distribution, ensuring every slice has the perfect lift and flavor. This step helps prevent clumps from forming while baking. So don’t skip it—your ultra moist bread will thank you later!
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating that tender bread texture we all love. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; it ensures easy blending and a smooth consistency. Like magic, this step sets up the base of your bread for fluffy deliciousness!
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time—mixing well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt), blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; this can lead to a denser loaf. You want to keep that lovely moist texture that makes blueberry cream cheese bread heavenly!
Step 6: Add Dry to Wet
Gently add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. This gentle approach keeps your batter light and airy. Remember, a quick stir is all it takes! Aim for a smooth batter with a few lumps—overmixing is the enemy of tenderness. We don’t want heavy bread; we’re aiming for fluffy instead!
Step 7: Fold in Blueberries
With a spatula, gently fold in the blueberries. Take your time here—this step is important for keeping the blueberries intact. You want them distributed throughout the batter without squishing them. Each bite should burst with juicy flavor! This is where your bread begins to take shape and truly shine.
Step 8: Create Layers
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling evenly over it. Then, pour the remaining batter on top. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect. This not only looks stunning but gives delicious, creamy bites of filling throughout!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The aroma in your kitchen will be worth the wait!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter that blends easily.
- If you’re short on blueberries, feel free to replace some with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the batter can elevate the flavor and warmth of your bread.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the suggested bake time to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them moist and delicious!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls; any clean bowls will do!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measuring; use a kitchen scale if needed.
- Hand mixer or whisk: A hand mixer makes creaming easy, but a sturdy whisk works just fine.
- Loaf pan: A standard 9×5 inch pan is preferred; a 8×4 inch can be used in a pinch.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula helps with folding and scraping the batter.
Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free treat.
- Fruit variations: Swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries for a twist on flavor.
- Nuts added: Stir in walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that adds depth to each slice.
- Lower sugar option: Reduce the sugar in the batter and filling by a third for a healthier version without sacrificing moisture.
- Vegan version: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based yogurt and butter to cater to vegan friends!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a slice of this blueberry cream cheese bread warm with a pat of butter for extra richness.
- Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant dessert.
- Add fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side for a fresh touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs about Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Can I use frozen blueberries in the recipe?
Absolutely! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing. This helps retain their shape and ensures that delicious burst of flavor in every bite!
How do I store leftover blueberry cream cheese bread?
For best results, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but it may dry out a bit.
Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge. However, I recommend baking it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Is this blueberry cream cheese bread suitable for breakfast?
Oh, definitely! It strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and flavor, making it an indulgent yet delightful breakfast option. Pair it with fruit or yogurt for a complete meal!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t available, you can create a delicious substitute by using ricotta cheese or a fruit-flavored spread. While it may alter the taste slightly, it will still be yummy!
Final Thoughts
Baking is such a rewarding experience, isn’t it? Creating my Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl has brought joy not just to myself, but to my family and friends as well. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is like a warm hug. Each slice, with its delightful blend of fruity blueberries and rich cream cheese, feels like a small celebration. Whether served at breakfast or dessert, this bread invites smiles and shared moments. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own sweet memories!
Print
Ultra Moist & Tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously ultra moist and tender blueberry bread that features a creamy cream cheese swirl, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 large egg yolk (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and lemon zest until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the top.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- 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 tent it with foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
