Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is a decadent and visually stunning bread that merges the rich traditions of Eastern European baking with a contemporary twist. This sweet, braided loaf is filled with a luscious combination of blueberries and cream cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
The journey to making this Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka begins with preparing a soft and enriched dough. Made from a mix of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, the dough is further enriched with unsalted butter, giving it a tender and buttery crumb. After the ingredients are combined, the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, then left to rise until doubled in size, resulting in a light and airy texture.
While the dough is rising, the fillings are prepared. The blueberry filling starts with fresh or frozen blueberries, which are cooked down with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. The addition of lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the blueberries, adding a refreshing citrus note.
The cream cheese filling is a simple yet indulgent mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
The braided loaf is placed into a greased loaf pan for a final rise, allowing the dough to become even more tender and fluffy. Before baking, the babka is brushed with an egg wash, which helps achieve a golden brown, glossy finish.
Baking the babka at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread and sweet blueberries. Once baked, the babka emerges from the oven with a beautifully golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior.
As it cools, the babka sets into a perfectly sliceable loaf, each piece showcasing the intricate swirls of blueberry and cream cheese. The combination of the soft, enriched dough with the creamy, tangy cream cheese and the sweet, slightly tart blueberry filling makes every bite a delightful experience.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is more than just a bread; it’s a work of art that brings together the best of traditional baking techniques and modern flavors. Its stunning appearance and delectable taste make it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering, whether it’s a festive brunch, a cozy family breakfast, or a sophisticated dessert table. This babka is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and the harmonious blend of flavors, making it a beloved treat for any occasion.
Delight in the exquisite layers of soft dough swirled with blueberry filling and creamy cream cheese in this decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka! Perfect for a leisurely morning or as a centerpiece for brunch, this babka combines the sweetness of blueberries with the richness of cream cheese for a truly indulgent treat. With a golden streusel topping adding a delightful crunch, every slice is a work of art and flavor. Treat yourself to a slice and savor the homemade goodness! 
Ingredients:
the Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until dough starts to come together.
Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 
Make the Blueberry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and blueberries burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Step 
Assemble the Babka:
Punch down risen dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangle approximately 18×12 inches.
Spread cream cheese filling evenly over dough, leaving a small border. Spoon cooled blueberry filling over cream cheese layer.
Roll dough tightly into a log from the long side. Pinch seams to seal. Cut log in half lengthwise to expose layers. Twist halves together, keeping cut sides up, to form a braid.
Carefully transfer braided dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, tucking ends under if needed.
Step 
Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over babka.
Step 
Bake the Babka:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let babka rise for another 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to make egg wash. Brush over top of babka.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. If top browns too quickly, cover with foil.
Cool babka in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy slices of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka with a hot beverage for a delightful, homemade treat!