– **Title**: Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if preferred)
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest, being careful not to break the berries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve this delicious blueberry cream cheese bread plain or with a bit of butter. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is key for the bread’s creamy texture. You can use low-fat cream cheese if you want a lighter version, or for a dairy-free option, go for vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content. If you’re out of butter, try using coconut oil or even applesauce for a healthier alternative.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best, but you can substitute it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are juicy and plump. If you use frozen, don’t thaw them first; this helps prevent the batter from turning blue. Also, you can swap them for other berries like raspberries or diced strawberries!
Lemon Juice: This adds a citrusy zest that brightens the flavor. You can replace it with orange juice for a different twist, or simply omit it if you prefer.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can make your bread tough. Here’s how to keep it light and fluffy:
- After adding the dry ingredients, use a rubber spatula to gently fold them into the wet mixture. You’re aiming for just combined – don’t worry if a few flour streaks remain!
- Be gentle when folding in the blueberries to prevent them from breaking. A light touch goes a long way!
Remember, mixing too much is often the culprit of dense bread. Take it slow and enjoy the process!
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (can also use frozen)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious blueberry cream cheese bread in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will create a creamy base for your bread!
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
Now, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and mix until everything is well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will help your bread rise perfectly.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Remember, overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop mixing when there are still a few lumps.
6. Fold in Blueberries:
Now for the fun part! Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. If you’re using lemon juice, add that in too—it adds a nice brightness!
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delightful blueberry cream cheese bread!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to gently fold them into the batter while still frozen to prevent them from sinking. This will help distribute them evenly throughout the bread. Keep in mind that frozen blueberries might add a bit more moisture to the batter, so adjust your baking time if needed.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this bread ahead! It stores well at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap it in aluminum foil or a resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What Should I Do If My Batter Looks Too Thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk (1-2 tablespoons should do) to loosen it slightly. Be careful not to add too much at once; you want it to remain a thick batter without being watery!
How Can I Ensure My Bread Comes Out Moist?
To keep your bread moist, avoid overmixing when combining the dry and wet ingredients, as this can create a dense texture. Additionally, using room temperature cream cheese and butter helps incorporate air into the batter more easily, resulting in a lighter loaf. Lastly, the optional lemon juice adds moisture and enhances the flavor, so it’s worth including!
