If you love the combination of sweet berries and creamy cheesecake, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s soft, moist, lightly tangy, and bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite. The magic of this loaf lies in its layers: a tender vanilla loaf, a silky cream cheese swirl, and pops of fresh blueberries that bake into jammy perfection.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or even a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf checks all the boxes:
-
Moist and tender crumb that stays soft for days
-
Creamy cheesecake-style swirl that adds richness without heaviness
-
Fresh blueberry flavor that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness
-
Simple ingredients you probably already have
-
No mixer required, just a bowl and a whisk
It’s the kind of loaf that disappears slice by slice, with people asking, “Did you make this from scratch?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Blueberry Loaf:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs, room temperature
-
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
-
1 tablespoon flour (to coat blueberries)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
-
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5 inches) and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a consistent rise.
4. Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add the Blueberries
Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This prevents them from sinking during baking. Gently fold them into the batter.
6. Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the blueberry batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese. Finish with a light swirl for a marbled effect.
7. Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
8. Cool
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important for clean slices.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf
-
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and even baking
-
Do not overmix, as this can make the loaf dense
-
Fresh blueberries give the best flavor, but frozen work well (do not thaw)
-
Let it cool fully before slicing to keep the cream cheese layer intact
Serving Ideas
This loaf is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even more by:
-
Dusting with powdered sugar
-
Drizzling with a simple lemon glaze
-
Serving warm with a cup of tea or coffee
-
Adding a dollop of whipped cream for dessert
Storage and Freezing
-
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
-
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. The moist crumb, creamy swirl, and bursts of blueberry make every bite memorable. It’s elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for everyday baking. Once you try it, this loaf will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.