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Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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Make Cream Cheese Filling
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In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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Make the Batter
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Mix in sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla, and lemon zest.
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Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
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In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour (this prevents sinking).
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Gently fold blueberries into the batter.
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Layer in the Pan
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Spread half of the blueberry batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Spoon all of the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
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Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer.
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If desired, use a knife to gently swirl the layers once or twice (don’t overmix).
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Sprinkle coarse sugar or almonds on top.
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Bake
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake part (avoiding cream cheese swirl) comes out clean.
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If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
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Cool & Serve
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Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper.
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Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing (this helps the cream cheese set).
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Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Tips for Success
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Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
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If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw—toss in flour straight from the freezer to prevent bleeding.
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Don’t over-swirl—just one or two passes with a knife to keep distinct layers.
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For a lemon glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice and drizzle over cooled loaf.
Serving Suggestions
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Perfect with morning coffee or tea
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Serve slightly warmed with a dollop of whipped cream
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Makes a lovely addition to brunch or dessert buffets
Enjoy your moist, creamy, berry-filled loaf! 
