Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful treat combining sweet fresh blueberries and rich cream cheese with zesty lemon notes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this loaf bakes to golden perfection with a tender crumb and a burst of fruity freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- â…“ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- Zest of 2 large lemons
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the unsalted butter and white sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, similar to frosting. Incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the well of dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined, being careful not to over mix to keep the loaf tender.
- Add Blueberries and Cream Cheese: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries and cream cheese pieces evenly throughout the batter to maintain their shape and texture.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 20 minutes to set before removing it from the pan to avoid breaking.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may change the batter consistency.
- Do not over mix the batter as it can result in a dense loaf.
- Make sure cream cheese is cut into small pieces or softened to distribute evenly in the batter.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk or yogurt for a tangier taste and tender crumb.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
