Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah

Introduction

Today, I’m excited to share a sweet and tasty recipe for Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah. This lovely bread combines soft, fluffy challah with creamy cheese and fruity blueberries. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

You should try making this Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah because it brings together wonderful flavors and textures. The soft bread, creamy filling, and burst of blueberries create a delicious treat that everyone will love.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah

Ingredients: For the Challah:

1/2 cup warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Filling:

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional egg wash:

1 egg, beaten

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, oil, salt, and yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
While the dough rises, make the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
For the blueberry filling, mix blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes) and let it cool.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle.
Spread the cream cheese filling over each rectangle, then add the blueberry filling on top.
Roll up each rectangle tightly and braid the three rolls together.
Place the braided dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the challah with the beaten egg for a shiny look.
Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.
Let it cool before slicing. Enjoy your Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah!

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah

Serve this challah warm or at room temperature. It’s tasty on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah

Keep any leftover challah in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly before freezing.

Tips to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Challah

Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to help the yeast activate.
Knead the dough well for a soft texture.
If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Variation (If Any)

You can try other fruits, like raspberries or strawberries, for a different flavor! You can also add nuts for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Just prepare the fillings and follow the rest of the steps.

What if I don’t have fresh blueberries?
Frozen blueberries work well too! Just thaw them before using.

How do I know when the challah is done?
The challah should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom.