Soft, buttery, and filled with pockets of juicy blueberries and creamy swirls of cheesecake-like filling, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is pure comfort in every slice. It’s a bakery-quality treat that’s easy to make at home — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet blueberries creates a lovely balance that feels indulgent yet comforting. I first made this loaf one rainy weekend, and the aroma alone was enough to make it an instant favorite. The texture is moist and tender, and it stays fresh for days — though it rarely lasts that long. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaf is the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and fruity. It’s easy to prepare, looks beautiful when sliced, and offers bakery-style flavor with simple pantry ingredients. The cream cheese swirl adds a delightful tang, while the blueberries provide bursts of natural sweetness.
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf – Moist, Buttery, and Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a soft, buttery quick bread swirled with tangy cream cheese and bursting with juicy blueberries. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat — tender, moist, and full of flavor in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
- Optional: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the blueberries coated with flour (this prevents them from sinking).
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and spread gently. Add the remaining batter over it and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries — if frozen, do not thaw before adding to the batter.
- To add a lemony twist, stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter.
- This loaf can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For an indulgent version, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze after cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour provides the perfect base for a tender, fluffy crumb that holds the berries without becoming dense.
Baking powder and baking soda give the loaf its lift, keeping it light and airy.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the blueberries and cream cheese.
Butter adds richness and a moist texture to the loaf — use softened unsalted butter for best results.
Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and creates a golden crust as the loaf bakes.
Eggs give structure and stability, ensuring the loaf holds together while remaining soft.
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Buttermilk or milk with a splash of lemon juice keeps the loaf tender and prevents it from drying out.
Blueberries add freshness, color, and a juicy burst in every bite. Fresh or frozen both work well — if frozen, don’t thaw before adding to the batter.
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this loaf special. It adds a luscious, slightly tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
Powdered sugar (optional) can be used to create a simple glaze for added sweetness and shine.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in half of the blueberries.
For the cream cheese layer, beat the cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth.
Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, then top with the remaining batter. Gently swirl a knife through the batter to create a marbled effect. Scatter the remaining blueberries on top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields one loaf, about 8–10 slices. Prep time: 15 minutes. Bake time: 60 minutes. Cooling time: 20 minutes. Total: about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the loaf covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slices slightly before serving if desired.

Variations and Customizations
Lemon Blueberry Loaf – Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy touch.
Mixed Berry Loaf – Substitute or combine raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries with the blueberries.
Cinnamon Swirl Version – Add a cinnamon-sugar layer between the batter for warm spice.
Almond Twist – Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
Crumb Topping – Mix butter, flour, and brown sugar for a streusel-style topping.
Glazed Cream Cheese Loaf – Drizzle a simple lemon or vanilla glaze after baking for a bakery-style finish.
Chocolate Chip Blueberry Loaf – Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
Low-Fat Version – Use low-fat cream cheese and substitute half the butter with applesauce.
Mini Loaves – Divide the batter into small loaf pans for individual portions; reduce baking time by 15–20 minutes.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins – Spoon batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for a portable version.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, use them straight from the freezer and dust lightly with flour to prevent sinking.
How do I keep the loaf from sinking in the middle?
Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your baking powder is fresh.
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk as a substitute.
Why did my loaf crack on top?
This is normal—it happens as the batter rises and bakes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two loaf pans and bake both at the same temperature.
How do I make it more moist?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overbake the loaf.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
What’s the best way to serve it?
It’s delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled with coffee or tea.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
Toss them lightly in a spoonful of flour before folding into the batter.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a perfect harmony of creamy richness and fruity brightness — a comforting yet elegant bake that never fails to impress. With its moist crumb, tangy cream cheese swirl, and bursts of juicy blueberries, it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make and always a hit, this loaf brings bakery-style goodness right into your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.
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