There’s something truly magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of a freshly baked treat during the holidays. This Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe combines the tender crumb of a classic quick bread with bursts of juicy blueberries and rich, creamy swirls of tangy cream cheese. Each bite feels like a festive hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with your favorite cup of coffee. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers warmth, joy, and a splash of holiday spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is straightforward and rewarding because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role—from providing structure and sweetness to adding moisture and that festive tangy flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, ensuring a fluffy but sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully to a perfect, tender texture.
- Sugar: Adds the ideal touch of sweetness that enhances the blueberries naturally.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and deepens the overall taste.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a rich, moist bread.
- Milk: Provides moisture and smoothness to the batter.
- Cream cheese: The star swirl that brings a luscious, tangy creaminess to every slice.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with juice and color, they bring a fresh fruity punch.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and enhances all the flavors.
- Lemon zest: Infuses a bright, citrusy note that elevates the blueberries beautifully.
How to Make Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will pop out easily once baked, making your presentation flawless.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together. Mixing them well now will guarantee even distribution, so your bread rises evenly and tastes balanced from edge to edge.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. This mixture will bring together richness and a lovely citrus aroma that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Step 4: Swirl in the Cream Cheese
Gently fold softened cream cheese into the wet ingredients just enough to create beautiful swirls rather than fully blending it. These swirls melt into pockets of creamy delight, making each slice special.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Blueberries
Carefully mix in the blueberries, being cautious not to mash them. Fresh blueberries provide natural bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast amazingly well with the creamy swirls and tender bread.
Step 6: Pour and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out. If you like, sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top for a festive, inviting look that hints at the deliciousness inside.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is done and ready for the next step.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. This resting period helps achieve the perfect texture and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can add a charming touch. Fresh mint leaves or extra blueberries on the side also brighten the presentation and complement the flavors exquisitely.
Side Dishes
This blueberry cream cheese bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a rich latte. You might also offer it alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt or a citrus fruit salad for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices stacked on a festive platter lined with holiday napkins for easy sharing. For a fun twist, cut thick slices and toast them lightly, then top with whipped cream and extra blueberries for an elegant dessert feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps it stay moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly to revive the bread’s soft texture and delicious aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter, which could affect texture.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with another cheese?
For this recipe, cream cheese offers a unique tang and creaminess. Other cheeses might not provide the same smooth texture or flavor balance, so it’s best to stick with cream cheese.
Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Absolutely! Mini loaves are perfect for gifting or portion control, just adjust baking time accordingly and check frequently with a toothpick to prevent overbaking.
How do I prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing blueberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the bread.
Is this recipe suitable for a Christmas morning breakfast?
Definitely yes! This bread bakes overnight or the day before and can be served warm on Christmas morning, making it an effortless and festive start to the day.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is not only a delicious holiday treat but also a wonderful way to fill your home with joyful aromas and festive cheer. It’s easy to prepare, full of delightful flavors, and so versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Print
Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful holiday treat featuring a moist and tender loaf swirled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with fresh blueberries. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced with vanilla and lemon zest, making it an inviting addition to your festive brunch or dessert table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined to create the base for your bread batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, blend the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to infuse brightness and flavor into the mixture.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Gently fold the softened cream cheese into the wet mixture to create deliciously creamy swirls throughout the batter.
- Add blueberries: Carefully mix in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to mash them to keep their shape and juiciness intact.
- Assemble batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional blueberries on top for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures easier slicing and better texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy folding and smooth swirls.
- Fresh blueberries yield the best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.
- To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them lightly in flour before folding into the batter.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice along with the zest.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out with wet batter, bake a few minutes longer.
