What if you could enjoy the taste of summer all year round? This Lemon Blueberry Bread captures that essence perfectly with its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma. Imagine biting into a soft, moist slice filled with juicy blueberries and a hint of zesty lemon — it’s pure bliss in every bite.
This delightful treat is not only simple to make but also an ideal companion for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply craving a snack with your afternoon tea, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to impress. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of sweet and tart that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a delightful balance that tantalizes your taste buds. Each slice offers a burst of sweetness complemented by the refreshing citrus notes, making it an irresistible choice for breakfast or dessert.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip up this delicious loaf in no time, making it an excellent option for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this lemon blueberry bread warm from the oven or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and can even be toasted for an extra crispy texture. Serve it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert — the possibilities are endless!
Freezes Well: If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will), this bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep it fresh for later enjoyment. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for another slice.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your batter; make sure to measure it accurately for the best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread while enhancing the flavors of lemons and blueberries.
- Baking Powder: This crucial ingredient helps the bread rise and become fluffy during baking.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in your loaf.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest adds an intense lemon flavor that brightens up each slice.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice complements the zest and provides moisture to the batter.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind all ingredients together while providing structure to the bread.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps your bread moist; feel free to substitute with melted butter if desired.
- Fresh Blueberries: Use plump blueberries; they add natural sweetness and burst during baking.
- The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside while preparing wet ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until blended smoothly before adding dry ingredients.
Add Blueberries: Gently fold in fresh blueberries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix as this can break apart berries and turn your batter blue!
Bake Your Bread: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from center.
Cool & Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and blueberries when making this recipe. Their vibrant flavors significantly enhance the final product compared to dried alternatives.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser bread rather than light and fluffy slices.
Check Doneness Carefully: Ovens vary; check doneness around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s done!
Add Glaze Optional : For added richness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice over cooled slices before serving — an extra treat!
Mistakes to avoid
Not measuring ingredients accurately
When making Lemon Blueberry Bread, precise measurements are crucial. Using too much or too little of any ingredient can drastically affect the texture and flavor. Invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are correctly measured for the best results.
Overmixing the batter
Mixing your batter too much can lead to dense and tough Lemon Blueberry Bread. Instead, mix until just combined. The goal is to blend the wet and dry ingredients without overworking the gluten, which keeps your bread light and fluffy.
Skipping the zest
Lemon zest adds vibrant flavor that enhances your Lemon Blueberry Bread. Skipping this ingredient will result in a bland taste. Use a microplane to finely grate the outer yellow skin of the lemon, capturing its essential oils for maximum flavor.
Not letting it cool properly
Allowing your Lemon Blueberry Bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack is essential. If you skip this step, the bread may crumble when removed from the pan, ruining its presentation and texture. Patience leads to perfection!
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a delightful breakfast, serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. The sweetness of the honey complements the tartness of the lemon and blueberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that is sure to please. You can also enjoy this bread with a side of Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and additional protein, making it a fulfilling morning meal.
For an afternoon snack, consider pairing your Lemon Blueberry Bread with a steaming cup of herbal tea. Chamomile or lemon verbena tea enhances the citrus notes in the bread while offering a soothing experience. Alternatively, serve it with fresh fruit slices like strawberries or kiwi to introduce more vibrant flavors and textures to your snack time.
At dessert time, this bread shines when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The creamy elements contrast beautifully with the dense, moist texture of the bread. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch that elevates your dessert experience.
If you want something unique, try toasting slices of Lemon Blueberry Bread and topping them with ricotta cheese and fresh mint leaves. This combination adds an unexpected twist that impresses guests at brunch gatherings. The creamy cheese balances out the fruity flavors while the mint provides refreshing notes.
FAQs
What makes Lemon Blueberry Bread so special?
Lemon Blueberry Bread stands out due to its perfect balance of tartness from the lemon and sweetness from blueberries. The combination creates a refreshing treat that is both light and satisfying. Its moist texture makes it ideal for various occasions, whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Bread?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Bread! For instance, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition. If you prefer natural sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar without compromising taste. Just keep in mind that these changes may slightly alter the texture.
How should I store Lemon Blueberry Bread?
To store Lemon Blueberry Bread properly, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices can last up to three months and make for quick snacks.
Can I add nuts to my Lemon Blueberry Bread?
Absolutely! Adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans introduces a delightful crunch to your Lemon Blueberry Bread. They enhance the flavor profile while providing healthy fats and protein. Just fold them into the batter before baking for best results.
Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 10 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful fusion of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This moist, flavorful loaf is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. With its refreshing citrus notes and juicy bursts of fruit, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest; whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Carefully add the blueberries without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
Keywords: - Use fresh lemons and blueberries for the best flavor. - Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy. - For added sweetness, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze before serving.
