Swirled Berry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

  • By Zain123
  • /

Swirled Berry Cream Cheese Bread

This gorgeous berry-filled cream cheese bread is soft, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor. With its stunning swirl pattern and rich, creamy center, it feels like a bakery-style treat you can make right at home. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you want something special with your morning coffee.

🧈 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 1 cup berry jam (raspberry, cranberry, or mixed berry)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (about half a block), softened
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp flour (helps thicken the filling)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk

🥣 How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5–7 minutes until foamy on top.
  2. Add the softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
  3. Slowly add the flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
  5. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in volume.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour together until velvety and smooth.
  2. Stir the berry jam in a separate bowl to loosen it up.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

  1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  2. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Spoon the berry jam over the cream cheese.
  4. Add nuts if you want extra crunch.
  5. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
  6. Using a serrated knife, slice the log lengthwise to expose the swirls.
  7. Twist the two pieces together, keeping the cut sides facing up for that classic marbled look.
  8. Place the twisted loaf into a greased bread pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise for 40–45 minutes until soft and puffy.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush the top with egg wash.
  3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and cooked through.
  4. If the top browns too quickly, tent the pan with foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool fully before slicing (this keeps the filling from oozing out).
Enjoy warm, room temp, or lightly toasted with butter!

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Avoid soggy layers: Use thick jam or simmer your jam for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid.
  • Don’t overload the filling: Too much can cause leaks during baking.
  • Clean slices: Use a serrated knife for a neat split before twisting.
  • Flavor boost: Add cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for a festive twist.
  • Storage: Keep wrapped at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Brioche dough or crescent dough works great for a shortcut loaf.

2. What if I don’t have yeast?

You can make a quick bread version using self-rising flour + yogurt, but the texture won’t be the same.

3. Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely. Slice, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

4. Can I use fresh berries instead of jam?

Yes! Cook berries with a little sugar and cornstarch until thick, then cool before spreading.

5. Why is my bread dense?

Most likely the dough didn’t rise long enough, or your milk/water was too hot and deactivated the yeast.


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