Introduction to Lemon Blueberry Bread
Why Lemon Blueberry Bread is a Must-Try for Homemade Food Lovers
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your typical quick bread, look no further than lemon blueberry bread. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and juicy blueberries, this quick bread is perfect for a cozy brunch, a snack with your afternoon tea, or even a sweet breakfast treat. The combination of lemon and blueberries not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
The texture is fluffy, yet moist, thanks to the addition of fresh blueberries and a touch of milk. What’s more, the zesty lemon glaze drizzled on top elevates it to that bakery-style experience right in your kitchen. And don't worry if you're new to baking! This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Whether you enjoy it straight from the oven or allow it to cool and enjoy it later, every bite of this lemon blueberry bread is sure to bring a smile to your face. If you’re a fan of flavors that refresh your palate, this recipe is simply a must-try! Check out more tips on baking from Bon Appétit.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Bread
When you're gearing up to bake a delightful lemon blueberry bread, it’s essential to gather all the right ingredients to ensure your loaf turns out perfect every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients for the Bread
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: To help your bread rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted: For richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrance.
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest: For that zesty kick!
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: A burst of citrus flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Ensures a moist texture.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Adds those juicy bursts.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating the blueberries): Helps keep them from sinking in the batter.
Ingredients for the Lemon Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: This gives your glaze a smooth finish.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetness comes from the sugar.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth for balance.
By combining these wonderful ingredients, you’ll create a lemon blueberry bread that’s bursting with flavor! Ready to bake? Let’s go!
Step-by-step Preparation of Lemon Blueberry Bread
Creating the perfect lemon blueberry bread is a labor of love that brings a burst of freshness to your kitchen. Let’s walk through the steps together to ensure your loaf is light, moist, and packed with flavor.
Prepping your kitchen and ingredients
Before you start, it’s essential to get your space organized. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9"x 5" loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter. This helps ensure that your delicious bread releases easily once baked. Gather all your ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, blueberries, and those zesty lemons—this way, the process flows smoothly without scrambling around.
Mixing the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step not only combines the ingredients but also ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a well-risen loaf. Set this bowl aside while you prep the wet ingredients.
Combining wet ingredients for maximum flavor
In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend together ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of fresh grated lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mix until thoroughly combined. The addition of lemon zest is a game-changer, infusing your lemon blueberry bread with vibrant flavor.
Blending the batter
Now it’s time to marry the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture and ½ cup of milk to the butter mixture in two alternating batches—first some flour, then milk, then repeat. This technique prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Preparing and folding in the blueberries
If you're using fresh blueberries, give them a quick rinse and then pat them dry. In a small bowl, toss these beauties with 1 tablespoon of flour. This trick helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them.
Baking to perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is worth the wait! Let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Making the lemon glaze
While your bread is cooling, whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl. This glaze adds a delightful sheen and extra zing! Once the bread has cooled slightly, pour the glaze over the top and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
With these steps, you’ll have a deliciously simple lemon blueberry bread that’s sure to impress friends and family. What are you waiting for? Get baking!
Variations on Lemon Blueberry Bread
Lemon Blueberry Muffins
If you're craving a quick grab-and-go treat, consider transforming this lemon blueberry bread recipe into delightful lemon blueberry muffins. Simply adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes. You’ll still enjoy that luscious flavor, but with a perfect portable snack! Serve warm with a dab of butter for an extra indulgence.
Additional Flavor Options
Get creative with your lemon blueberry bread by adding unique flavors! Consider infusing some almond extract for a nutty twist or folding in toasted coconut for a tropical flair. You can also mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to experiment! For more flavor inspiration, check out this guide to flavor pairings.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Common mistakes to avoid
When making lemon blueberry bread, overmixing is a common pitfall! It can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined for that perfect, tender crumb. Additionally, ensure your blueberries are evenly coated in flour to prevent sinking. If you're using frozen berries, do not thaw them beforehand; this helps maintain their shape and prevents excess moisture in the batter.
Tips for getting the best blueberry distribution
To achieve superb blueberry distribution, toss your berries in flour as instructed. This simple step keeps them suspended in the batter. Another trick? Gently fold them in at the last moment using a spatula, which helps avoid crushing the berries while ensuring they’re evenly spread throughout the loaf. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
The zesty notes of lemon blueberry bread make it an excellent companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Consider pairing it with a bright, citrus-forward green tea or a smooth latte, which enhances the bread's sweet and tangy flavors. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a refreshing iced tea on a warm day. You might even want to check out some delicious coffee pairings here.
Serving Ideas for Breakfast or Dessert
Lemon blueberry bread is versatile enough to elevate any meal. Enjoy a slice for breakfast with a smear of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. Alternatively, serve it as a delightful dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Either way, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household!
Time Breakdown for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Preparation Time
Get ready to dive into your baking adventure! The prep for this lemon blueberry bread takes about 15 minutes. Gather your ingredients, grease your loaf pan, and mix those delightful flavors together.
Baking Time
Once your batter is all set, pop it into the oven. Bake it for 55-65 minutes, watching closely as it transforms into a golden loaf of joy.
Total Time
In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a warm, fragrant lemon blueberry bread ready to impress! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend treat or a thoughtful gift. Wouldn’t your friends love a slice?
Nutritional Facts for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Calories per slice
Each slice of this delightful lemon blueberry bread contains approximately 259 calories. It’s a treat you can indulge in without feeling too guilty, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Breakdown of key nutrients
This scrumptious loaf not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a balanced mix of nutrients:
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Cholesterol: 51mg
- Sodium: 298mg
- Potassium: 64mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 264 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1mg
This lemon blueberry bread is not just delicious but also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. For more information on nutritional benefits of individual ingredients, you can check out sources like Healthline and WebMD.
FAQs about Lemon Blueberry Bread
How can I store lemon blueberry bread?
To keep your lemon blueberry bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil once it's completely cooled. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Just slice it beforehand, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can easily defrost a slice whenever you crave a zesty treat!
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just toss them in a small bowl with a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and ensures a burst of blueberry goodness in every slice.
What’s a good substitute for eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute in your lemon blueberry bread, consider using applesauce or unsweetened mashed bananas. Generally, ¼ cup of either can replace one egg. This not only makes your bread suitable for a vegan diet but also keeps it moist and flavorful.
Conclusion on Lemon Blueberry Bread
Making lemon blueberry bread at home is a delightful way to brighten your day. This simple recipe combines tangy lemon and sweet blueberries for a loaf that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you! Plus, share it with friends for a cozy gathering!
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Equipment
- 9" x 5" loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- medium bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries I used fresh
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for coating blueberries
Lemon Glaze Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9"x 5" loaf pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease with butter).
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- While slowly mixing, add flour mixture and milk in two batches, stopping as soon as it's just combined.
- Rinse off the blueberries (if using fresh) so they have just a bit of moisture, then toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent sinking.
- Add the flour-coated berries to the batter and gently stir by hand to combine.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool bread in the pan for about 30 minutes, then move to a wire cooling rack.
- Prepare glaze by whisking together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, then pour over the loaf. Allow to set a few minutes, then enjoy!
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