If you’re craving a festive treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh blueberries and swirled with luscious cream cheese, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and softly spiced flavors. The tender crumb, bright lemon zest, and enticing vanilla aroma make it not only a showstopper at holiday brunches but also a delightful snack any time you want to add a little joy to your day. This recipe melds simplicity and elegance, transforming humble ingredients into a beautiful holiday centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from creating the tender structure to adding layers of flavor and that gorgeous burst of color.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds all the deliciousness together with a soft, moist crumb.
- Baking powder: Essential for that perfect rise and fluffy texture everyone loves.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tang of cream cheese and lemon zest flawlessly.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite sing.
- Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients so the bread holds its shape.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender without weighing it down.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show for creamy swirls that add velvety texture and a slight tang.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, vibrant note that brightens the entire loaf.
How to Make Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step is crucial to ensure your beautifully baked bread releases easily and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This blend provides the foundation for the perfect crumb and ensures even flavor distribution throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together melted butter, milk, and eggs until the mixture is smooth. Then add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to infuse your batter with aromatic warmth and a citrusy zing that will delight your senses.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Swirl
Gently fold softened cream cheese into the wet mixture until you achieve beautiful creamy swirls. This step adds luscious pockets of richness in every slice that make this bread truly irresistible.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the batter, taking care not to mash them so you keep their vibrant color and juicy bursts throughout the bread.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top for that festive, inviting finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown. Use the toothpick test by inserting a skewer in the center – it should come out clean for perfectly baked bread.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps the loaf set up nicely, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Top slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze to elevate the Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe into an elegant treat. Fresh mint leaves or extra blueberries on the side add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a festive spiced tea. It’s also fantastic served alongside creamy mascarpone or a simple pot of vanilla yogurt to complement the fruity and creamy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful brunch centerpiece, slice the bread thickly and arrange it on a wooden serving board garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon slices. You can even create mini French toast bites by lightly toasting slices and serving them with whipped cream and berry compote for a fun holiday twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moistness and keeps the blueberries from drying out.
Freezing
This Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread first, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to freshly baked warmth, microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds or toast them lightly. This revives the cream cheese swirls and freshens the bread’s tender texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent extra moisture from making the bread soggy.
Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk to make a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The toothpick test is your best friend here: insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done baking.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped strawberries or raspberries complement the blueberries beautifully, and toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch without overpowering the flavors.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for this recipe?
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to swirl through the batter evenly without clumping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe that brings comfort and cheer to any kitchen. It’s simple enough for novice bakers but impressive enough to serve at a holiday gathering. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or savoring it wrapped up with a cup of tea, this bread embodies the sweet spirit of the season beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your festive baking lineup!
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: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful holiday treat featuring a moist, tender crumb swirled with creamy cheese and studded with fresh blueberries. The subtle lemon zest and vanilla add a refreshing brightness, making it a perfect festive breakfast or dessert bread to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Additional Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and fully blended, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Add Cream Cheese: Gently fold in the softened cream cheese into the wet mixture, swirling it lightly to create pockets of creamy texture without fully blending it.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to mash them, to maintain their shape and bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
- Assemble the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle extra blueberries on top for added decoration and flavor.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a clean slice.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may color the batter.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to easily fold into the batter without clumping.
- The lemon zest adds a bright flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
