There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked loaf cooling on the counter, especially when it’s bursting with juicy blueberries and ribbons of rich cream cheese. Fluffy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is the kind of recipe that feels special enough for brunch yet simple enough for a cozy weekday bake. Soft, moist, lightly sweet, and beautifully marbled, this loaf walks the perfect line between breakfast bread and dessert cake.

This recipe is inspired by classic American quick breads but elevated with a luscious cream cheese swirl that melts seamlessly into the crumb. Every slice delivers pockets of blueberry brightness balanced by a tangy, creamy contrast—no dry bites, no overly dense texture, just bakery-level softness from edge to center.

Whether you’re serving guests, baking for family, or freezing slices for later indulgence, this blueberry cream cheese bread is dependable, impressive, and deeply satisfying. Let’s break down everything you need to know to bake it perfectly every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

This loaf isn’t just good—it’s repeat-worthy. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

Ultra-soft, fluffy crumb that stays moist for days
Cream cheese swirl baked directly into the bread (no frosting required)
Bursting blueberries in every slice
Simple ingredients you already have at home
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert
Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

Unlike yeast breads, this quick bread comes together quickly and doesn’t require proofing or special equipment. One bowl for the batter, one for the cream cheese layer, and you’re on your way to something truly special.

Ingredients

For the Blueberry Bread Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.75 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.75 cup milk or buttermilk
1.5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
0.33 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk sugar and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Pour half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
Repeat with remaining batter and cream cheese. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth swirl. Cold cream cheese will clump.
Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the crumb light and fluffy.
Frozen blueberries work beautifully, but do not thaw them before adding.
Let the bread cool fully before slicing to allow the cream cheese layer to set cleanly.

Delicious Variations

Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and 1 tsp lemon juice to the cream cheese layer.
Blueberry Streusel Cream Cheese Bread: Sprinkle a buttery crumb topping over the loaf before baking.
Mixed Berry Version: Use raspberries or blackberries in place of some blueberries.
Almond Twist: Add 0.5 tsp almond extract to the batter for bakery flair.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it:

Warm with coffee or tea
As part of a brunch spread with fruit and yogurt
Lightly toasted with butter
As a dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

It also travels well, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, and edible gifts.

Storage & Freezing

Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5 days.
Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or warm gently.

Fun Fact

Cream cheese swirls became popular in American baking during the mid-20th century as home bakers looked for ways to elevate simple quick breads without adding frosting. This recipe honors that tradition with a modern, blueberry-packed upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Fluffy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is everything a homemade loaf should be—soft, rich, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite after the first slice and gets requested again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this loaf delivers bakery-quality results with home-kitchen ease.

Fluffy Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

A soft, moist blueberry quick bread with a rich cream cheese swirl baked into every slice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes