Introduction to Lemon Blueberry Bread
Lemon blueberry bread is more than just a delicious dessert; it's a delightful way to brighten your day, especially for busy professionals. Imagine this: you walk into your kitchen after a long day, and the scent of freshly baked bread with a hint of lemon zest fills the air. It’s the kind of comfort that makes even the most hectic day feel a bit lighter.
This cheerful bread is perfect for on-the-go snacking, whether you're rushing to a meeting or winding down at home. Packed with juicy blueberries and the refreshing zing of lemon, it provides a perfect balance of sweetness. According to nutrition experts, incorporating whole fruits into your diet can boost mental function and overall well-being, something we all need in our fast-paced lives.
Plus, this lemon blueberry bread is super simple to make, requiring just 25 minutes of prep and only one hour in the oven! You can even whip it up on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s an easy answer to where a tasty and healthy little treat can come from. Want to take a break from your usual snacks? Try this delicious recipe!
Why Lemon Blueberry Bread is the Perfect Sweet Treat for Busy Professionals?
As you juggle your responsibilities, having a quick, nutritious option can be a game-changer. Lemon blueberry bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s ideal for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert after dinner.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Creating your own lemon blueberry bread is not just a baking project; it’s an experience filled with fresh flavors and delightful aromas. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciously moist quick bread.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Binds everything together.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest: Brightens the bread.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds zing.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps your bread tender.
Blueberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: A burst of fruity goodness.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Coating the berries prevents sinking.
These ample ingredients come together to create a loaf that’s not only appealing but bursting with citrusy goodness. For a delightful icing finish, don’t forget to prepare the lemon glaze!
Step-by-step Preparation for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Gather and prep your ingredients
To kick off our delightful lemon blueberry bread adventure, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. A quick inventory check will help ensure a smooth baking experience:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 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
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for the blueberries
Don’t forget: having everything ready and measured makes the process much more enjoyable! And, if you want to learn more about the magic of vanilla, check out this homemade vanilla extract guide.
Mix the dry ingredients and set aside
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s essential to make sure they’re well combined; this simple step helps the lemon blueberry bread rise evenly. Once mixed, set them aside—these dry ingredients will come together beautifully later!
Cream together the wet ingredients
Now for the fun part! In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy. The bright aroma of lemon zest will fill your kitchen, giving you a taste of what’s to come!
Combine wet and dry mixtures thoughtfully
This next step requires a bit of attention. Slowly add the flour mixture and milk to your wet ingredients in two batches. Start with half the dry mix, followed by half the milk, and repeat. Mixing only until just combined is key—overmixing can lead to a denser loaf. You want your lemon blueberry bread to be light and fluffy!
Fold in the blueberries for that burst of flavor
Here’s where the magic happens! If you’re using fresh blueberries, rinse them off and toss them in a small bowl with a tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking. Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into your batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
Bake your beautiful loaf to perfection
Pour your batter into a prepared 9"x 5" loaf pan (lined with parchment or greased) and pop it into the preheated oven at 350°F. Your lemon blueberry bread will take about 55-65 minutes to bake. It's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, give it about 30 minutes to cool before moving it to a wire rack. Don’t forget to drizzle that heavenly glaze on it after!
Baking is not just a science; it’s an art. Enjoy every step of the way!
Variations on Lemon Blueberry Bread
Add a twist with lemon zest variations
Elevate your lemon blueberry bread by experimenting with different types of lemon zest. Try using lime or orange zest for a refreshing twist. These citrus alternatives give a unique flavor profile that brightens the deliciousness of your bread. Additionally, consider incorporating a touch of candied lemon peel into the batter for added texture and sweetness.
Explore different berry combinations
Don’t stop at blueberries! Mix things up by combining raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries with your lemon blueberry bread. These berries provide a delightful contrast to the tangy lemon, creating a vibrant burst of flavor in every slice. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a mixed berry version? This colorful interpretation is not only visually appealing but also packs a delicious punch!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Creating the perfect lemon blueberry bread takes a little finesse but it's absolutely worth it! Here are some cooking tips to ensure your loaf turns out deliciously moist and flavorful:
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Choose Fresh Ingredients: High-quality blueberries and fresh lemons elevate the taste. If using frozen blueberries, ensure they’re not thawed fully to avoid excess moisture.
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Toss Blueberries in Flour: Coating them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
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Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your bread a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
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Storage Tips: If baking ahead of time, wrap the cooled loaf without glaze to keep it fresh and store it at room temperature.
For those looking to deepen their baking skills, consider checking out resources like King Arthur Baking for more expert guidance. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Blueberry Bread
When it comes to enjoying your lemon blueberry bread, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Breakfast Treat: Serve warm slices with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese for a delicious morning boost.
- Gourmet Pairing: Enjoy your bread alongside a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or lemon balm, which beautifully complements the citrus flavor.
- Dessert Delight: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish to a dinner party.
- Snack Option: Cut into smaller squares for a quick, portable snack that can brighten up your afternoon break.
For more flavor ideas, check out this tea pairing guide or explore homemade cream cheese spreads to match!
Time Breakdown for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Preparation Time
Getting started on your lemon blueberry bread takes about 25 minutes. During this time, you’ll gather your ingredients, mix the batter, and prepare your loaf pan. It’s a great moment to get everything set up for that delicious bake ahead!
Baking Time
Once your batter is ready, you'll pop the loaf in the oven for around 55-65 minutes. The aromas wafting through your kitchen during this time will be nothing short of heavenly, making the wait totally worth it.
Total Time
From start to finish, this delightful lemon blueberry bread will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes preparation, baking, and the cooling time before you indulge in that sweet, citrusy goodness! Perfect for a weekend treat or a cozy weekday snack. If you're curious, check out more about time management in baking here.
Enjoy diving into this delicious recipe!
Nutritional Facts for Lemon Blueberry Bread
Calories
Each slice of this delightful lemon blueberry bread comes in at about 259 calories. It’s a satisfying treat that won’t break your calorie bank!
Protein
You’ll get around 4 grams of protein per serving, making it a simple way to add a little extra nutrition to your dessert.
Sodium
With 298 mg of sodium, this bread strikes a pleasant balance, perfect for enjoying as an occasional indulgence without going overboard on your daily intake.
This lemon blueberry bread is not just delicious; it also packs a decent nutritional punch for your sweet cravings!
FAQ about Lemon Blueberry Bread
How can I ensure my bread is moist?
To achieve that perfectly moist lemon blueberry bread, be sure not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can introduce too much air and lead to a drier texture. Also, incorporating ingredients at room temperature, like eggs and milk, can help maintain moisture. Additionally, keeping the loaf covered with plastic wrap after it cools will keep it soft and delicious.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries can be a great substitute for fresh, and they’re often more convenient. Just toss them directly into the batter without thawing, and you might consider increasing the bake time slightly since the batter may be cooler.
What's the best way to store leftover lemon blueberry bread?
To keep your lemon blueberry bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze slices for up to three months—just defrost before enjoying!
Conclusion on Lemon Blueberry Bread
Baking a lemon blueberry bread is not just about enjoying the delightful flavors; it’s about creating lasting memories. Whether served as a sweet breakfast or a comforting dessert, this moist, tangy loaf is sure to impress. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds, so enjoy every slice!
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Equipment
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric Mixer
- small bowl
- medium bowl
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for coating blueberries
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries I used fresh
Lemon Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Baking 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 (some flour, then some milk, then the rest of the flour and the rest of the milk). Stop mixing as soon as it's just combined.
- Rinse off the blueberries (if using fresh) so they have just a bit of moisture on them, then, in a small bowl toss the blueberries and 1 tablespoon flour.
- Add the flour coated berries to the batter and gently but quickly stir, by hand, to combine.
- Immediately pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool bread in the pan for about 30 minutes, then move to a wire cooling rack with a baking sheet below.
- Prepare glaze by whisking together the melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla, then pour glaze over the loaf. Allow to set a few minutes, then enjoy!
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