Name: Lemon Blueberry Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries); 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large 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 (fresh preferred); 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Introduction to Lemon Blueberry Bread

Why Lemon Blueberry Bread is a Must-Try for Young Professionals

If you're a young professional juggling work, social life, and perhaps a little home cooking on the side, you might find yourself craving something quick, delicious, and slightly indulgent. Enter lemon blueberry bread — a delightful loaf that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of juicy blueberries. This quick bread is not just easy to whip up; it's also perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.

Imagine starting your day with a slice of warm, moist bread that brightens your morning like a ray of sunshine! Lemon blueberry bread is enriched with flavors that can instantly boost your mood. It's packed with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and eggs, making it a simple choice for busy weekends or unexpected gatherings.

Plus, sharing a homemade treat is a fantastic way to connect with friends or co-workers, showing that you care about little joys. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it allows you to easily incorporate fresh fruits, making it a great way to get that daily dose of vitamins.

Why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Bread

Essential ingredients for the perfect loaf

When it comes to making the ideal lemon blueberry bread, the right ingredients play a crucial role in crafting that delightful flavor and texture you're craving. Here’s what you need to gather for this scrumptious quick bread:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our loaf, providing structure. You’ll need 1 ½ cups.
Baking powder: Just 1 teaspoon will help the bread rise beautifully.
Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances the sweetness of the blueberries and bright lemon flavor.
Unsalted butter: Using ⅓ cup of melted butter contributes richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: You'll need a cup to balance the tartness of the lemon.
Eggs: Two eggs bring the loaf together and provide texture.
Vanilla extract: Adding ½ teaspoon adds a warm note that complements the citrus.
Fresh lemon juice and zest: A must for that zesty flavor! Use two tablespoons of juice and two teaspoons of zest.
Milk: ½ cup of milk adds moisture and softness to the bread.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen—1 cup will burst with flavor in every bite.
Additional flour for coating: Just a tablespoon to keep your berries from sinking.

With these fantastic ingredients, you're on your way to baking a lemon blueberry bread that will wow your taste buds. Happy baking!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Lemon Blueberry Bread

Baking a loaf of lemon blueberry bread is not just a task; it's an experience filled with delightful aromas and flavors that can lighten any day. Let’s walk through the steps together and create a delicious treat that will have your friends and family asking for seconds!

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into the baking process, it’s crucial to have everything ready. Gather these ingredients:

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)

For the luscious lemon glaze, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure you preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9"x 5" loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter.

Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step is essential as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and helps you achieve that perfect rise. Set aside your dry mixture for now.

Create the Lemony Batter

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until it’s beautifully blended. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk in two batches, mixing slowly to keep the batter just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your bread remains tender and moist!

Gently Fold in the Blueberries

Now comes one of the most exciting parts—adding the blueberries! If you’re using fresh blueberries, give them a quick rinse and coat them with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour in a small bowl. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your loaf while baking. Gently fold the coated blueberries into your batter with a spatula, being careful not to smash them.

Bake Your Amazing Lemon Blueberry Bread

Quickly transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before moving it to a wire cooling rack, where it can cool completely. While it cools, whip up your lemon glaze by mixing the melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Drizzle this delectable glaze over the cooled bread, and let it set a few minutes before slicing.

And there you have it—your very own lemon blueberry bread! Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a delightful dessert. Enjoy your creation!

Variations on Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon Raspberry Bread

If you’re a fan of the zing of citrus combined with a sweet twist, lemon raspberry bread is a delightful variation! Simply swap the blueberries for fresh or frozen raspberries to create a vibrant loaf that bursts with flavor. The tartness of the raspberries enhances the lemon, making each bite a refreshing treat. Similar to the traditional lemon blueberry bread, this variation is easy to prepare and perfect for your next brunch gathering. Try it warm with a dollop of butter for that added indulgence!

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Craving a grab-and-go option? Transform your lemon blueberry bread into lemon blueberry muffins! Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes instead of an hour, and you’ll have fluffy, moist muffins that are ideal for breakfast or a midday snack. These muffins also make for a fantastic lunch box addition! Top them with a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness. Not only are they delicious, but they’ll also impress your friends at your next coffee date.

Explore more muffin recipes to get creative in the kitchen!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Lemon Blueberry Bread

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When making lemon blueberry bread, there are a few pitfalls to steer clear of for the best results.

Overmixing the batter: Gently incorporate the flour and milk; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
Blueberries sinking: Tossing them in flour helps keep them suspended in the batter, so don’t skip this step!
Checking for doneness too early: Oven temperatures can vary. Always insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when your bread is fully baked.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll enjoy delicious, moist bread! For more insights on baking, check out reliable sources like King Arthur Baking.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Blueberry Bread

What goes well with lemon blueberry bread?

Serving lemon blueberry bread can be a delightful experience, and there are so many fantastic pairings to elevate your enjoyment! Here are some ideas:

Morning Magic: Enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The citrus notes complement the warmth of a freshly brewed beverage perfectly.
Fresh Spread: A smear of cream cheese or flavored spread adds a creamy contrast and enhances the bread's deliciousness.
Fruity Companions: Pair with a fruit salad for a colorful, refreshing side. Mix in berries, melons, and citrus slices for a vibrant mix.
Simple Snack: Enjoy it plain for a quick energy boost during a busy workday. A slice goes wonderfully with yogurt or a handful of nuts for added protein.

These combinations will surely make your lemon blueberry bread experience even more delightful! For some coffee inspiration, check out The Spruce Eats for more pairing ideas.

Time Breakdown for Lemon Blueberry Bread

Preparation time

You'll need about 25 minutes to gather your ingredients and prepare the batter. This includes mixing the right amounts of flour and sugar, and tossing those delightful blueberries in a bit of flour to keep them suspended during baking.

Cooking time

The lemon blueberry bread takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to bake. This ensures that every bite is perfectly moist and flavorful, giving the bread time to develop a beautiful golden crust.

Total time

In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep and bake time, plus cooling time, so you can focus on enjoying those delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen!

For more delicious ideas and tips on baking with lemon, check out this guide on citrus in baking.

Nutritional Facts for Lemon Blueberry Bread

Calories per serving

Each slice of this lemon blueberry bread contains approximately 259 calories, making it a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your dietary goals.

Breakdown of key nutrients

This scrumptious loaf packs in a variety of essential nutrients:

Carbohydrates: 44g, providing a quick energy boost.
Protein: 4g, supporting muscle maintenance.
Fat: 8g, including saturated fat of 4g for flavor.
Sugar: 28g, delivering that sweet zest we love.
Fiber: 1g, contributing to digestive health.

With modest amounts of Vitamin A (264 IU) and Calcium (50mg), this lemon blueberry bread also has a touch of nutritional value. For more insights on healthy eating, check out resources like ChooseMyPlate.gov. Enjoying this bread can be a wonderful part of a balanced diet!

FAQs about Lemon Blueberry Bread

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Absolutely! Using frozen blueberries is perfectly fine and can be a great option if fresh ones aren’t available. Just toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. No thawing is necessary, but they may make the batter slightly cooler, so be sure to bake it a little longer if needed.

How should I store leftover bread?

To keep your lemon blueberry bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it cools down. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread by wrapping it and placing it in a freezer bag, where it can last for up to three months. Just remember, thaw it at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy!

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can! To make a scrumptious gluten-free version of this lemon blueberry bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to include a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain one. Enjoy this delightful treat without compromising on flavor!

Conclusion on Lemon Blueberry Bread

A final thought on baking joy at home

Baking this lemon blueberry bread brings warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Each slice is an invitation to savor life’s simple pleasures. So, gather your ingredients, invite friends over, and enjoy the delightful union of tart lemons and sweet blueberries. Happy baking!

For more mouthwatering recipes, you might explore Bakerella or Sally's Baking Addiction.