Lemon Blueberry Bread

Easy lemon blueberry bread with lemon glaze is soft, moist, and delicious. This delightful quick bread features fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavors, making it an ideal treat for summer gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Its light texture and vibrant taste make it a standout choice for various occasions, from brunches to picnics. The addition of a sweet lemon glaze elevates this bread, ensuring every bite is a burst of citrus goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm as a dessert or at room temperature for breakfast; it works beautifully any time of day.
• Perfect for Sharing: Slice it up and share with friends at gatherings or give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap out blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes the baking process smoother. Here’s what you need to create your lemon blueberry bread effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: Ensures your bread bakes evenly and maintains its shape.
• Mixing bowls: Having different sizes helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate before combining.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for gently folding in blueberries without crushing them, preserving their integrity.

Ingredients

Easy lemon blueberry bread with lemon glaze is soft, moist, and delicious. This quick bread with fresh blueberries and lemon is the perfect summer dessert.

Ingredients:
– 1 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (200 grams)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk (120 grams)
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil (70 grams)
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 1 + 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, divided
– ½ cup icing sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (1 lb. loaf pan) with cooking spray oil.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk well to combine the wet ingredients including milk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to mix until just combined; ensure no dry ingredients are visible. Avoid overmixing as it may make the bread denser. Fold in 1 cup of blueberries until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 55 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before inverting to remove the loaf.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature. Drizzle with glaze if desired.

Lemon Glaze:

In a small bowl, add the icing sugar. Slowly incorporate the lemon juice while stirring until smooth with your desired consistency achieved. If too runny, add more sugar; if too thick, add more lemon juice.

Evenly drizzle glaze over the loaf and allow it to set before slicing. For full coverage on your loaf, double the amount of icing!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon blueberry bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

• Pair with yogurt: Serve slices alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
• Toasted with butter: Lightly toast the bread and spread a thin layer of butter for a warm, comforting start to your day.

As a Snack

• With cream cheese: Spread cream cheese on top for an extra creamy texture that complements the lemon and blueberry flavors.
• Drizzled with honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the bread.

For Dessert

• A la mode: Serve warm lemon blueberry bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With whipped cream: Top slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and garnish with lemon zest for an elegant touch.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread

To make sure your lemon blueberry bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen, which may release excess moisture into the batter.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so check on your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking.
• Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess from steam.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon blueberry bread pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can enhance your meal while adding color and nutrition.
2. Chia Pudding: Creamy chia pudding provides a healthy contrast and works well as a light side dish.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein and balance out the sweetness of the bread for brunch.
4. Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese served with sliced peaches or berries creates a satisfying pairing.
5. Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and berries for a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the bread.
6. Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of herbal tea or coffee complements the citrus flavor and makes for an inviting brunch setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking lemon blueberry bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor. Always check your baking powder and flour for freshness before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix just until combined and gently fold in blueberries.
• Neglecting to grease the pan: A well-greased pan prevents sticking. Use cooking spray or butter generously on the loaf pan.
• Skipping the toothpick test: Not testing for doneness can result in undercooked or overcooked bread. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting too soon can ruin the texture. Allow the bread to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lemon blueberry bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap for easy access.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Wrap the whole loaf or slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slice on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Check often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slice on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about lemon blueberry bread that may help you as you prepare this delicious treat.

What makes lemon blueberry bread moist?

The combination of milk, oil, and fresh blueberries keeps the bread moist while adding flavor.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just fold them into the batter without thawing.

How do I ensure my lemon blueberry bread rises properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix your batter. This helps create a light texture.

What is the best way to store leftover lemon blueberry bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Lemon blueberry bread is not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or changing up the glaze. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike!