DIY Blueberry Cream Cheese Pull Apart Bread 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough begins to form. Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment if you prefer.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Blueberry Filling:

• While the dough is rising, prepare the blueberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
• Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries begin to release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
• If you’d like a thicker filling, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the blueberry mixture. Continue cooking until it thickens to your desired consistency. Set the filling aside to cool.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
• Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Spoon the blueberry filling over the cream cheese, spreading it out evenly.
• Carefully slice the dough into 6 strips (lengthwise), then stack the strips on top of each other. Cut the stacked dough into small squares (about 3 inches wide). You should have about 6-8 layers of dough.
• Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish or a loaf pan, and arrange the dough squares vertically in the pan. Don’t worry if they’re slightly squished together; this will allow the dough to rise and bake together, creating a pull-apart effect.
• Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up.

5. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Once the dough has risen, brush the top of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with a little sugar for extra sweetness and a golden finish.
• Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
• If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before pulling it apart and serving. The creamy, gooey layers of cream cheese and blueberry filling make each pull-apart piece irresistible.
• If you like, drizzle with a little extra icing or powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Pull-Apart Bread:

• Don’t Skip the Proofing Time: Letting the dough rise twice (once for the dough and once after assembling) ensures that your pull-apart bread is light, fluffy, and soft. Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise and become airy.
• Use Fresh Blueberries: While frozen blueberries can be used, fresh blueberries will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess juice before using.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add a handful of lemon zest to the blueberry mixture, mix in some cinnamon, or even swap blueberries for raspberries or strawberries for a different twist.
• For Extra Flavor: Brush the baked pull-apart bread with a little vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting after baking to add an extra touch of indulgence.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take it out to come to room temperature, assemble the bread, and let it rise for 30 minutes before baking.

Why This Pull-Apart Bread is Perfect for Any Occasion:

• Impressive Yet Easy: This bread looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the step-by-step process is easy to follow, and the end result is sure to impress.
• Great for Gatherings: Pull-apart bread is perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a brunch, birthday, or holiday gathering, everyone will love pulling apart pieces and enjoying the sweet, gooey layers of this delectable bread.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: The classic pull-apart bread gets a fruity, creamy upgrade with the blueberry and cream cheese filling, making it the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

Final Thoughts:

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Pull-Apart Bread is the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re being spoiled with every bite. The soft, pillowy dough, the tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, and the juicy burst of blueberries combine to create a dessert (or breakfast) that’s pure bliss. Whether you serve it at a gathering or keep it all to yourself (no judgment!), this pull-apart bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, grab your mixing bowls, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in one of the most decadent and delicious breads you’ll ever make. Happy baking!