Cream cheese filling:
225g cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Mix in the crème fraîche until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
For the filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Pour half of the bread dough into the loaf pan. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over top. Cover with remaining dough.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
SERVINGS: 1 loaf, approx. 8-10 slices.
NOTE:
It is a good idea to soften the cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Fresh blueberries give the best tart flavor, but frozen ones will work as well.
Refrigerate any leftovers for the cream cheese filling.
Serve slightly warm for the best texture.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread is a recipe that embodies the joy of seasonal baking. With its vibrant blueberries and creamy filling, it’s visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. This bread is versatile enough to serve at holiday parties, yet simple enough to enjoy as an everyday treat.
The role of each ingredient
The blueberries are the star, adding tart notes that balance the sweetness of the bread. Their ruby red color makes the bread visually appealing. The cream cheese adds body and a velvety texture that contrasts nicely with the airy bread. The butter and sugar form the base and provide a soft dough, while the crème fraîche adds moisture and a slight tart flavor. The flour, baking powder, and baking soda provide structure and lift, ensuring the bread rises nicely.
Preparation and Technique
The technique involves layering: pour half the batter into the pan, then add the cream cheese filling, and finally pour the remaining batter on top. This creates a beautiful swirl when sliced. Gently rotating the blueberries in the batter prevents them from cracking prematurely, so they stay whole and crisp after baking.
Taste and Texture
The bread is moist and soft, with a golden crust that gives way to a soft inner layer. Each slice reveals tart blueberries and a creamy filling that offers a balance of flavors – sweet, tart and rich. The cream cheese layer adds a luxurious texture that gives the bread a sumptuous feel without being too heavy.
For full cooking times, turn to the next page or click the Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
