Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is soft, slightly tangy, and bursting with juicy blueberries. The cream cheese adds a luscious richness that makes every bite taste like a bakery treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
🫐 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blueberries:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp flour (to toss the berries)
Optional Glaze (for extra sweetness):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk or lemon juice
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add butter, egg, and salt. Mix in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size. - Make the Filling:
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. - Assemble:
Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle (about 10×15 inches).
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
Sprinkle the floured blueberries over top. - Shape the Loaf:
Roll up the dough (like a jelly roll) and twist gently.
Coil into a round shape or place in a loaf pan.
Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Cool on a rack. - Glaze (Optional):
Whisk powdered sugar with milk/lemon juice and drizzle over cooled loaf.
📝 Notes
- Tossing blueberries in flour keeps them from sinking or bleeding too much.
- You can use frozen berries, but don’t thaw them before adding.
- Make it more decadent by adding a lemon zest or cinnamon sugar swirl.
💡 Tips
- For a tangier flavor, use half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.
- Slice and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months — toast or microwave to serve.
- Brush the top with melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar before baking for extra shine and crunch.
🍽 Servings
Makes 1 large loaf (8–10 slices).
🧾 Nutritional Info (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
🌿 Benefits
- Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich and heart-healthy.
- Cream Cheese: Adds calcium and satisfying richness.
- Homemade dough: No preservatives and customizable sweetness.
❓Q&A
Q: Can I make this dough the night before?
A: Yes! Let it rise once, punch it down, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and bake the next day.
Q: What if I don’t have yeast?
A: You can use a quick bread method (with baking powder), but it will be denser and more cake-like.
Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Absolutely! Try raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even diced peaches.
Q: How do I know it’s fully baked?
A: The internal temperature should be 190°F (88°C) and the crust golden brown.