There's something truly magical about the combination of bright, zesty lemon and sweet, bursting blueberries. This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe brings those flavors together in a loaf that's not only incredibly moist and tender but also surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you're looking for a delightful breakfast companion, a midday snack, or a simple dessert, this quick bread is guaranteed to impress.
Forget complicated baking projects! This recipe is designed for ease without compromising on flavor. We'll guide you through each step to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly golden, with a delightful crumb and that signature lemon-blueberry goodness in every bite.
Why This Lemon Blueberry Bread Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes this particular Lemon Blueberry Bread stand out? It's all about the perfect balance. The subtle tang from the fresh lemon zest and juice cuts through the sweetness, while the juicy blueberries provide pockets of fruity delight. The texture is consistently moist, making it a joy to eat on its own, with a cup of tea, or alongside a dollop of yogurt.
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is a baker's dream because it's:
- Quick to Prepare: Minimal fuss and simple steps mean you can have this baking in no time.
- Flavorful: A vibrant burst of lemon and sweet blueberries.
- Versatile: Perfect for any time of day, from brunch to dessert.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite berries or additions.
Essential Ingredients for a Heavenly Loaf
You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our bread.
- Baking powder: Our leavening agent for that beautiful rise.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and balances the tartness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and depth.
- Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice: The stars of the show for that bright citrus punch. For more about the benefits and uses of lemon zest in cooking, you can read up on Wikipedia's explanation of zest.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these juicy gems are crucial!
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread Every Time
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Follow these to ensure your Lemon Blueberry Bread is always a success:
Don't Overmix the Batter
Once you start adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Flour Your Blueberries
This is a classic trick to prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your loaf. Tossing them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter creates a barrier that helps them suspend evenly throughout the bread.
The Toothpick Test is Your Best Friend
Oven temperatures can vary, so always rely on the toothpick test for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it's still wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
You can also consider making other delightful lemon-infused desserts, such as a refreshing No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake – 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe, for another burst of citrusy goodness!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to enjoy it or shake things up:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices with coffee or tea, alongside fresh fruit, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Dessert: A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans with the blueberries for added crunch.
- Other Berries: While blueberries are classic, feel free to substitute with raspberries or a mix of berries.
If you enjoy baking your own bread, you might also like trying a more advanced recipe like Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe: Simple and Delicious for a different baking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got more questions about making the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread? Check out our FAQ section below for common queries and helpful answers.
Conclusion
There you have it – a truly easy and exceptionally moist Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe that's destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Its bright, comforting flavors make it suitable for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to a special gathering. The simple steps ensure even novice bakers can achieve a perfect loaf, filled with juicy blueberries and a delightful lemon zing.
So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked lemon blueberry bread. You'll be glad you did!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully. Just be sure not to thaw them before adding to the batter. Tossing them in a tablespoon of flour first can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
How do I prevent my lemon blueberry bread from becoming dry?
The key to a moist loaf is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mix until just combined. Also, ensure you don't overbake; use a toothpick test u2013 it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
How should I store leftover lemon blueberry bread?
Store the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving and glazing.
Can I adjust the amount of lemon zest or juice?
Certainly! If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, you can slightly reduce the zest and juice. For an extra citrusy punch, feel free to add a bit more zest. Always taste the glaze mixture and adjust to your preference.
Easy & Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful quick bread recipe combining vibrant lemon zest and juicy blueberries for a perfectly moist and flavorful treat, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (taken from the measured 2 cups). Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter by hand.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust juice to reach desired consistency.
Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon blueberry bread. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing the batter. Tossing blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
