This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe produces a perfectly moist, flavorful, and delicious loaf of quick bread! Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this delightful loaf combines the zesty taste of lemon with sweet blueberries. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this bread is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples that you likely already have at home.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh bread baking in the oven in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, toasted, or drizzled with glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Freezer Friendly: This bread freezes well, making it easy to save some for later or gift to friends.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Lemon Blueberry Bread, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5)
- Parchment paper or butter for greasing
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools will help combine ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Loaf pan: The right size loaf pan is crucial for even baking and achieving the perfect shape for your bread.
Ingredients
This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe produces a perfectly moist, flavorful and delicious loaf of quick bread! This bread is sure to be a new favorite!
For the Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (I used fresh)
For the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
While slowly mixing on low speed, add the flour mixture and milk in two batches. Start with some flour followed by some milk; repeat until everything is just combined.
Step 5: Coat Blueberries
Rinse off the blueberries (if using fresh) so they retain a bit of moisture. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the flour-coated blueberries into the batter by hand until just combined.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
Step 8: Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled loaf once set on the wire rack. Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread
Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a breakfast option or a sweet snack, there are plenty of serving ideas to make the most of this delicious loaf.
With a Cup of Tea
- A warm slice pairs beautifully with your favorite herbal or black tea, enhancing the lemony flavors.
Topped with Cream Cheese
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on top for a rich and creamy contrast to the tangy lemon.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Accompany your bread with fresh berries or citrus slices for added freshness and color on your plate.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and complements the tartness of the blueberries perfectly.
As a Dessert
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.
Toasted with Butter
- Lightly toast slices and spread some butter on top to enhance its flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread
To achieve the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and blueberries. This will ensure maximum flavor in your bread.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light one.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
Let It Cool: Allow your bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture and prevents crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Lemon Blueberry Bread is versatile and can be paired with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors well.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making it an excellent breakfast option.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and balances the sweetness of the bread.
Granola: Serve alongside granola for a crunchy texture contrast, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Cottage Cheese: This protein-rich side offers a savory balance that pairs well with the sweet bread.
Chia Seed Pudding: The creamy pudding adds an interesting texture while providing health benefits, making it an ideal pairing.
Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for added richness and nutty flavor that complements the blueberries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon Blueberry Bread, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the flour coating: Not tossing the blueberries in flour can lead to them sinking in the batter. Always coat them lightly to keep your loaf visually appealing and evenly textured.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the bread tough. Stir just until combined for a moist, tender loaf.
Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect how well they mix with other ingredients. Allow them to come to room temperature before use for better results.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can alter the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so starting to check doneness at 55 minutes is crucial. A toothpick should come out clean when the bread is done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Lemon Blueberry Bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between slices if stacking, to prevent sticking.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date, so you know when it was frozen.
Reheating Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon Blueberry Bread:
Can I use frozen blueberries in Lemon Blueberry Bread?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just toss them with flour before adding them to prevent sinking.
How do I make Lemon Blueberry Bread gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like traditional flour.
What can I add to my Lemon Blueberry Bread?
Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, coconut flakes, or even lemon extract for extra flavor!
How long will my Lemon Blueberry Bread stay fresh?
When stored properly, it will last up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert and makes a lovely treat any time of day. Try this delightful recipe today!
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Indulge in the delightful taste of Lemon Blueberry Bread, a quick bread that combines the zesty flavor of fresh lemons with sweet blueberries to create a moist, flavorful loaf. This versatile treat is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Drizzle it with a tangy glaze for an extra touch of sweetness, or enjoy it plain for its natural deliciousness. Whether served warm with tea or toasted with butter, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9"x5" loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture in two batches while stirring on low speed until just combined.
- Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking and fold them gently into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 67g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
