For the Blueberry Loaf Batter:
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120g) sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt
1½ cups fresh blueberries (or frozen—do not thaw!)
💡 Frozen blueberries? Toss them in 1 tbsp flour before folding in to prevent bleeding.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple, But Thoughtful)
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper (leaving overhang for easy removal).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Make the Loaf Batter
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (1–2 minutes).
Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Mix in sour cream until just combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated—do not overmix.
Gently fold in blueberries with a spatula until evenly distributed.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, thick, and lump-free (about 1–2 minutes).
4. Layer & Swirl
Spoon half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Drop half of the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the batter.
Repeat with remaining blueberry batter, then top with remaining cream cheese dollops.
Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter in a figure-8 motion—don’t over-swirl, or the layers will blend.
🌟 Pro Tip: Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles and level the top.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding cream cheese pockets) comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
The top should be deep golden, and the edges slightly pulling away from the pan.
6. Cool Completely (The Hardest Part!)
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack.
Cool completely (at least 1 hour) before slicing—this keeps the cream cheese from oozing out and lets the crumb set.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar
Pair with: Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze
Make ahead: Keeps beautifully for 3 days at room temp (covered) or 5 days in the fridge
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic + foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
FAQs: Your Blueberry Loaf Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese or yogurt?
A: Not recommended. Full-fat ensures moisture and proper structure. Low-fat versions can make the loaf dry or dense.
Q: Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
A: Likely causes: underbaking, overmixing batter, or opening the oven too early. Bake until toothpick is clean!
Q: Can I make muffins instead?
A: Yes! Divide batter into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Q: My cream cheese sank—what happened?
A: The batter may have been too thin, or the cream cheese too soft. Make sure both are properly softened (not melted!), and don’t over-swirl.
Q: Can I add lemon zest?
A: Absolutely! Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter for a bright, bakery-style twist.
More Than a Loaf—It’s a Moment of Joy
In a world that moves too fast, there’s something deeply grounding about pulling a warm, fragrant loaf from the oven—especially one that fills your kitchen with the scent of vanilla, butter, and summer berries.
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is simple enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests, and delicious enough to crave all year round. So go ahead—bake it for your neighbor, your book club, or just for you. You deserve a slice of heaven.
Made this loaf? I’d love to see your swirl! Share your results or tag someone who needs this kind of buttery, berry-filled comfort in their life. And if you ate two slices… we totally understand. 🫐🧀💛
