Imagine slicing into a loaf that greets you with a burst of tart lemon, juicy blueberries, and a creamy cheesecake-like filling at its center. Whether you’re preparing for a brunch, an afternoon tea, or simply looking for a comforting homemade treat, this cream cheese-filled lemon blueberry loaf is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, moist, and filled with flavors that feel like sunshine on your plate.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this impressive and delicious loaf. You’ll also learn tips, variations, and answers to common questions to help you bake like a pro.
What Makes This Lemon Blueberry Loaf Special?
This loaf is not just another quick bread—it’s an indulgent combination of flavors and textures:
- Bright and zesty lemon brings a refreshing tang to every bite.
- Juicy blueberries add bursts of sweetness and color.
- A creamy layer of cream cheese filling takes this loaf to the next level with its cheesecake-like texture.
- Moist and buttery crumb ensures that each slice is rich and satisfying.
It’s the kind of bake that impresses with both its look and taste, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions or casual treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need, broken down into sections for easy preparation:
Category | Ingredient | Amount |
Lemon Blueberry Loaf | Large eggs | 3 |
Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | |
Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup (120g) | |
Full-fat plain yogurt | ½ cup (125g) | |
Lemon zest | Zest of 2 lemons | |
Lemon juice | 1 Tablespoon | |
All-purpose flour | 1½ cups (180g) | |
Baking powder | 1 Tablespoon | |
Fresh blueberries | 1 cup | |
Cream Cheese Filling | Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz (220g) |
Granulated sugar | 2 Tablespoons | |
Egg | 1 | |
All-purpose flour | 2 Tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cream Cheese-Filled Lemon Blueberry Loaf
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add the yogurt, lemon juice, and melted butter (slightly cooled). Whisk until combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your loaf light and fluffy.
4. Add the Blueberries
- Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a rubber spatula. This ensures they’re evenly distributed without bursting.
5. Assemble the Loaf
Layer the Batter
- Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Set the remaining batter aside for now.
Add the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the loaf pan, spreading it evenly and pushing it into the corners and edges.
Add the Remaining Batter
- Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining batter, smoothing it out gently to cover the filling completely.
6. Bake the Loaf
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 48–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the cake part (not the cream cheese layer) should come out clean.
7. Cool the Loaf
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and intact layers.
Tips for Success
