Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices
Highlighted under: Sugar Crafted
I absolutely love making Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices! The perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful treat that brightens any day. My family often requests this bread for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and it rarely lasts long in our kitchen. The citrus aroma that fills my home when it bakes is simply heavenly. This recipe is straightforward and rewarding, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and those more experienced. I can’t wait to share this delicious treat with you!
Every time I make this Blueberry Lemon Bread, it feels like a special occasion. I remember the first time I tried making it; the sweet and tangy notes danced on my palate, making it hard to resist a second slice! The infusion of lemon zest complements the blueberries beautifully, creating a fresh flavor profile that reminds me of sunny days.
One of my favorite tips is to use fresh blueberries instead of frozen; they burst with juiciness and flavor. I often serve it warm with a pat of butter, adding an extra layer of indulgence. You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top for a sweet finish!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The delightful contrast of fresh blueberries with zesty lemon.
- A moist, fluffy texture that elevates any breakfast or snack.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying alone with a cup of tea.
The Balance of Flavors
The combination of fresh blueberries and tangy lemon zest in this bread creates a sublime flavor that brightens each bite. The blueberries contribute natural sweetness and pop, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing, citrusy tang that cuts through the richness of the butter. If you find the acidity from lemon juice too strong for your taste, you can reduce it to 2 teaspoons without sacrificing much of the bread's signature flavor. The balance is essential to keep the bread lively yet comforting—a perfect breakfast option.
As the bread bakes, the aroma of lemon permeates your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the oven in anticipation. The moisture from the blueberries during baking also helps ensure that the bread remains fluffy and soft, making each slice melt in your mouth. To get the juiciest blueberries, I recommend using fresh ones, as frozen blueberries can sometimes result in a denser texture and may color the batter more than desired.
Tips for Perfect Texture
Achieving the perfect moist and fluffy texture is vital for this blueberry lemon bread. It’s important not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour – a few lumps are perfectly fine! Using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, can also enhance the texture by allowing for better emulsification.
If you're baking at high altitudes, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to compensate for the lower air pressure. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in texture, preventing your bread from collapsing after baking. Additionally, finishing with a light touch of glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar can add a lovely shine while amplifying the lemon flavor.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices:
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and wet ingredients
Mix in the eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Fold in blueberries
Gentle fold in the fresh blueberries; be careful not to overmix.
Bake the bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices!
Pro Tips
- For an added twist, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Variations to Explore
Feel free to experiment with the flavors by adding a spice such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an added layer of warmth. You can also introduce nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, to give a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the bread. If you desire a more decadent take, swirls of cream cheese or blueberry jam can be added to the batter before baking for a delightful surprise with every slice.
For a healthier twist, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the butter. This will provide moisture while cutting down on fat. As a bonus, the yogurt's tanginess will enhance the lemon flavor even further—a win-win for flavor and texture!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, this blueberry lemon bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Freezing is an excellent option if you plan to enjoy it later; just be sure to slice it first for easy individual servings. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours before serving.
This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of spreads. Try serving it with cream cheese or a simple lemon glaze for added sweetness. Its moistness makes it an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches too; just layer it with scrambled eggs and cheese for a delicious brunch option that will impress your guests.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but fresh blueberries will yield the best flavor and texture.
→ How should I store the leftover bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
→ What other fruits can I add?
Raspberries or chopped strawberries also work well in this recipe.
Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices
I absolutely love making Blueberry Lemon Bread Slices! The perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful treat that brightens any day. My family often requests this bread for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and it rarely lasts long in our kitchen. The citrus aroma that fills my home when it bakes is simply heavenly. This recipe is straightforward and rewarding, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and those more experienced. I can’t wait to share this delicious treat with you!
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until well combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Gentle fold in the fresh blueberries; be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For an added twist, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g