Red, White & Blueberry Bread Recipe for Beginners

Sweet red, white & blueberry bread changes ordinary breakfast into a patriotic celebration of flavor.

Soft, tender crumbs burst with fruity brightness and subtle hints of summer nostalgia.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a vibrant canvas of culinary creativity.

Bold colors and delicate textures merge in this delightful quick bread that feels like an edible work of art.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between sweet and tangy notes, inviting warm memories of festive gatherings.

The recipe captures the essence of comfort and joy in every single bite.

Your taste buds will embark on a delightful journey of pure indulgence.

A Berry-Filled Loaf That Looks as Good as It Tastes

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Packed with juicy strawberries and blueberries, this bread delivers a vibrant, seasonal taste explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Indulge in Creamy Swirls: The luscious cream cheese swirl adds a rich, tangy layer that creates delightful pockets of creamy goodness throughout each slice.
• Celebrate Easy Baking: With simple mixing techniques and straightforward instructions, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning breakfast or dessert bread without stress.
• Perfect for Festive Moments: Sporting red, white, and blue colors, this bread becomes an ideal treat for summer gatherings, Fourth of July celebrations, or weekend brunch with friends.

What You’ll Need for This Patriotic Sweet Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white flour creates a soft, tender bread texture with perfect structure.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the bread.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the bread's moistness and tender crumb.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and tangy flavor to both the main batter and swirl.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft bread texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with moisture retention.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic bakery flavor to the bread.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes that complement the berries.
• Coarse Sugar: Optional topping for added crunch and sparkle.

• Strawberries, Blueberries: Fresh, juicy berries that add color, flavor, and natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy swirl throughout the bread.
• Egg: Helps set the cream cheese mixture.
• Flour: Stabilizes the cream cheese swirl.

How to Make Red, White & Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg
• Flour

Whip until silky smooth. Set this dreamy mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Up Bread Base

• Butter
• Sugar
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Gently add eggs one at a time on low speed.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Strawberries
• Blueberries

Step 6: Layer the Batter

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top. Softly swirl with a knife for a marbled effect if desired. Cover with remaining batter.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch (optional).

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick- it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your berry-licious creation!

Tips for Even Fruit Distribution and Moist Texture

• Perfectly Blend Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free swirl that mixes effortlessly into the bread batter.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss berries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to keep them suspended throughout the bread instead of dropping to the bottom.
• Master the Swirl Technique: Create beautiful marbled patterns by gently dragging a knife through the cream cheese layer in random, sweeping motions without overmixing.
• Ensure Even Baking: Rotate the bread pan halfway through baking to guarantee uniform browning and prevent any potential hot spots in the oven.
• Cool Completely for Perfect Slicing: Allow the bread to cool entirely in the pan and on a wire rack to help it set and make clean, precise slices that won't crumble.

How to Store Bread So It Stays Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese swirl keeps the bread moist and delicious.
• Freeze: Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the bread's soft texture and brings out the vibrant berry flavors.

What to Pair with This Colorful Slice

• Burst of Refreshing Sips: Pair this fruity bread with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a light moscato wine to complement the berry sweetness and enhance the delicate cream cheese swirl.
• Morning Beverage Companion: Enjoy alongside a creamy vanilla latte or a bright citrus-infused green tea, which will highlight the bread's lemony undertones and provide a balanced morning treat.
• Brunch Perfect Match: Serve with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add extra richness and create a delightful dessert-like experience that elevates the bread's texture and flavor profile.
• Afternoon Relaxation Combo: Pair with a crisp, cold glass of iced chamomile tea or a light prosecco to create a sophisticated yet casual snacking moment that brings out the bread's fruity and creamy notes.

Flavor Variations for This Star-Spangled Treat

• Summer Citrus Burst: Replace lemon zest with orange zest and add a handful of mandarin orange segments for a bright, refreshing flavor profile that screams summer sunshine.
• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap strawberries and blueberries with diced pineapple and shredded coconut, creating a vacation-inspired quick bread with exotic undertones.
• Nutty Cream Cheese Wonder: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the batter and sprinkle some on top for added crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the cream cheese swirl's richness.
• Spiced Berry Sensation: Mix in ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients, and use a combination of raspberries and blackberries instead of the original berries for a warm, complex taste experience.

Red, White & Blueberry Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red, white & blueberry bread delivers patriotic summer sweetness with layers of festive flavor. Juicy berries nestled in tender crumb create a delightful American classic perfect for holiday celebrations and lazy weekend mornings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• ⅓ cup (3 oz or 85 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 egg

Flavor and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the cream cheese mixture by blending cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour until silky smooth, creating a luxurious swirl component for the bread.
3. In a stand mixer, whip butter, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture individually, mixing on low speed to maintain a delicate texture and prevent curdling.
5. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a clean bowl, creating the dry ingredient foundation.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
7. Gently incorporate strawberries and blueberries into the batter, ensuring even dispersion without overmixing.
8. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan, creating an initial layer as the base.
9. Strategically dollop the cream cheese swirl across the first batter layer, using a knife to create elegant marbled patterns if desired.
10. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, sealing the swirl within the bread.
11. Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for even golden browning and checking with a tester for doneness.
13. If edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
14. Allow the bread to cool within the pan for 30 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize.
15. Carefully transfer to a wire rack, letting the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• This vibrant bread bursts with summer berry flavors, combining creamy cream cheese swirls and fresh strawberries and blueberries in every delightful slice.
• Swirling technique creates beautiful marbled patterns, making this bread visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the bread.
• Fresh berries work best, but frozen can be substituted by gently folding without thawing to prevent color bleeding.
• Cool bread completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 307
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 166 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg