- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating blueberries)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf soft and tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Toss the blueberries with one tablespoon of flour. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Coating the berries helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Loaf
Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining batter and gently smooth the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this loaf warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For an extra treat, spread each slice with butter or drizzle with a light vanilla glaze. Fresh blueberries on the side make a beautiful presentation.
Storage Tips
Store the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days because of the cream cheese filling. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving or warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The loaf can also be frozen for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Helpful Baking Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Coat blueberries with flour to keep them evenly distributed.
- Fresh blueberries provide the best texture, but frozen blueberries can also be used without thawing.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to help the cream cheese layer set.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
- Protein: 6g