If you’re looking for a breakfast treat or a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a perfect choice. Bursting with juicy blueberries and pockets of rich cream cheese, this loaf combines tender, moist cake with creamy, slightly tangy swirls that elevate every bite. The flavor balance is perfect—sweet but not overpowering, soft yet structured, with a golden crust that gives way to a tender interior.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, yet it produces a bakery-quality result that’s ideal for brunch, a snack with coffee or tea, or even a special dessert.
Ingredients
For the Loaf Batter
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1½ cups (200 g) fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for sprinkling
- Optional drizzle of glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Loaf Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them.
Step 4: Layer the Loaf
- Spread half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining blueberry batter, spreading gently.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese slightly into the batter for a marbled effect.
Optional: Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for a slight crunch and sparkling finish.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Cool completely before slicing to prevent the cream cheese from oozing out.
- Optional: Drizzle with simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries: Frozen berries are convenient but don’t thaw them—they release too much moisture if thawed.
- Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform texture.
- Gentle folding: Overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of tender and fluffy.
- Swirling technique: A few large, fluid swirls create an attractive marble effect without blending the cream cheese completely into the batter.
- Storage: Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, latte, or tea.
- Snack: Slice thick and enjoy with a dollop of yogurt or fresh fruit.
- Dessert: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Blueberry Loaf: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Almond Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for texture.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to half the batter for a chocolate-cream cheese swirl loaf.
- Mixed Berry Loaf: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed-berry twist.
Why This Loaf Is Special
The combination of soft, moist cake, tangy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries creates a complex texture and flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. The marbling effect makes it visually stunning, and the balance between sweetness and slight tang keeps it from being overly rich.
This loaf is a perfect showcase of how simple ingredients—eggs, butter, flour, cream cheese, and fresh fruit—can combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Every slice is a tender, flavorful experience that feels both homey and sophisticated.
