Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread: A Sweet And Cheesy Treat

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This isn’t just bread; it’s a journey. A journey through flavors, textures, and cultures. It’s a symphony of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice. It’s a blueberry cream cheese swirl bread, a masterpiece born from the fusion of classic American baking and European pastry techniques.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

    • For the Filling:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

    • Preparation Process:

    1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
    2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
    3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
    4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
    5. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in blueberries.
    6. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
    7. Roll and Shape: Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
    8. Second Rise: Place the loaf pieces in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
    9. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
    10. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

    Serving Ideas:

    breakfast: Sliced with butter and jam, or toasted with cream cheese.

  • Dessert: Warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.
  • Snack: Enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

    • Cultural Influences:

    This recipe is a delightful blend of American and European culinary traditions. The base of the bread is a classic American yeast dough, while the cream cheese filling is a nod to European pastries. The addition of blueberries, a quintessential American fruit, adds a burst of fresh flavor.

    This blueberry cream cheese swirl bread is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It’s a reminder that by combining different flavors, techniques, and cultures, we can create something truly extraordinary.