Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices
Highlighted under: Classic Planning
I love savoring the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, especially in this delightful Blueberry Lemon Bread. Each slice brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that brightens my day. This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen; not only is it easy to make, but it also fills my home with an irresistible aroma. Whether I’m enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, every bite is a little taste of summer that I simply can't resist.
When I first tried making Blueberry Lemon Bread, I was curious about how the tanginess of lemon could complement the sweetness of blueberries. I decided to use fresh blueberries to ensure maximum flavor and a beautiful color. After a few trials, I discovered that the combination of lemon zest and juice enhances the blueberry flavor, making it bright and refreshing.
One tip I always follow is to coat the blueberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom while baking and helps distribute their flavor throughout the loaf. It's a simple trick that makes all the difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The haunting aroma of lemon paired with sweet blueberries awakens the senses.
- A moist texture that stays fresh for days, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Versatile enough to serve as a stand-alone snack or paired with your favorite cup of tea.
Understanding the Ingredients
The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda creates the perfect foundation for a wonderfully moist and fluffy bread. The baking powder ensures that the bread rises beautifully, while the baking soda balances the acidity from the lemon juice. These leavening agents work together to give your Blueberry Lemon Bread its delightful texture.
Unsalted butter is a key player in this recipe, as it not only provides rich flavor but also contributes to the overall moistness of the bread. When creamed with sugar, it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which results in a light crumb. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the butter with Greek yogurt. This not only reduces calories but also adds extra moisture.
Baking Tips for Success
When preparing your loaf pan, ensure it is well greased to prevent sticking. If you want to be extra cautious, consider lining the bottom with parchment paper. This small step can make a world of difference when it comes time to remove your Blueberry Lemon Bread from the pan, ensuring flawless presentation without any crumbling.
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This is crucial as it helps the structure set, reducing the risk of the loaf collapsing if removed too soon. Once out of the pan, place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This process allows air to circulate around the loaf, keeping the crust nice and crisp.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Bread:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup milk
Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Blueberry Lemon Bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine and Fold
Pour in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries and milk.
Bake the Bread
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slice and enjoy!
Enjoy your freshly baked bread with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try mixing in chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry Lemon Bread can be enjoyed in various ways. For a delightful breakfast treat, consider toasting slices and spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on top. This adds a rich creaminess that nicely complements the tangy lemon and sweet blueberries. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate it further, making it feel like a true gourmet experience.
For an afternoon snack, pair your Blueberry Lemon Bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The citrusy aroma harmonizes beautifully with herbal or fruity teas, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your snack. You might also serve slices alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced light meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Blueberry Lemon Bread stores well, keeping its moistness for several days when properly wrapped. To maximize freshness, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it, but this may alter the texture slightly. If you want to save it for later, consider slicing it and freezing individual portions. Just make sure to wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
If you plan to make this bread ahead of time, it can be baked a day or two in advance. Simply allow it to cool completely, then store it as mentioned. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can either eat it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, bringing back that fresh-baked goodness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
→ How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
→ Can I substitute the butter?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil or applesauce for a lighter option.
→ How should I store the bread?
Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices
I love savoring the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, especially in this delightful Blueberry Lemon Bread. Each slice brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that brightens my day. This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen; not only is it easy to make, but it also fills my home with an irresistible aroma. Whether I’m enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, every bite is a little taste of summer that I simply can't resist.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup milk
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries and milk.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try mixing in chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g