Moist, tender, and loaded with juicy blueberries, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of loaf I turn to when I want something sweet and comforting. A rich cream cheese swirl runs through the center, making each bite extra luscious. Whether it's breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a late-night snack, this quick bread hits the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan. I also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a larger bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then I beat in the eggs one at a time and add vanilla.
I stir in the sour cream, then gently mix in the dry ingredients. Once combined, I fold in the blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them.
In another bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
I pour half the bread batter into the loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese layer over it. I top it with the remaining batter and swirl everything lightly with a knife.
I bake the loaf for 55–65 minutes, covering it with foil after 40 minutes if the top gets too brown. I check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
After baking, I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 55–65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories per slice: 310 kcal
Variations
I sometimes add lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus twist.
A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans gives a satisfying crunch.
If I’m out of sour cream, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute.
For a festive look, I like sprinkling coarse sugar or a few extra blueberries on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Once cooled, I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully—I slice and wrap individual pieces so I can defrost just what I need. To reheat, I warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I keep the cream cheese layer from sinking?
I make sure to spread the batter evenly and gently swirl the cream cheese layer—it helps it stay nicely in place while baking.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, I use them often. I don’t thaw them before adding to the batter so they don’t bleed too much color.
Why did my bread turn out dry?
Overbaking can dry it out. I check doneness at 55 minutes and cover the top with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely. I divide the batter and cream cheese mixture into a muffin tin and bake for about 20–25 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend with good results. I just make sure the mix includes xanthan gum or add it myself.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s easy to make, always turns out moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese swirl adds something special. Whether I'm baking for family, guests, or just myself, it’s always a hit.
📖 Recipe:
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and tender Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread swirled with a rich, tangy cream cheese layer. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bakery-style quick bread is packed with juicy blueberries and comforting flavor.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the sour cream, then add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries without breaking them.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth to create the cream cheese layer.
- Pour half the bread batter into the prepared pan, then spread the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Top with the remaining batter and gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, covering with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
Include chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream.
Sprinkle coarse sugar or extra blueberries on top before baking for a festive look.
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices.
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
