Name: Red, White & Blueberry Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (3 oz) cream cheese, room temperature; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup strawberries, chopped; 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Description

The Red, White & Blueberry Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional dessert loaf, incorporating the bright flavors of fresh berries and rich cream cheese. This loaf makes an excellent addition to any holiday table, especially for celebrations like the Fourth of July, where its patriotic color scheme shines.

This recipe combines the tartness of blueberries and strawberries with the sweet, creamy texture of the cream cheese swirl, creating a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Its moist crumb and bursts of berry goodness make it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for a truly delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup (3 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
For the cream cheese swirl, mix 8 oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 Tbsp flour in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, cream together butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time on low speed.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in strawberries and blueberries.
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Add the cream cheese swirl on top and optionally swirl with a knife. Cover with remaining batter. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes