Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread
Highlighted under: Everyday Recipes
I absolutely love baking quick breads, and this Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread has become one of my favorites. The bright burst of lemon combined with the sweet blueberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both refreshing and indulgent. I often make it for brunch gatherings or just as a treat for myself during the week. It requires minimal prep time and is simple enough even for beginner bakers. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is truly irresistible!
When I first tried making a lemon blueberry quick bread, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I decided to use fresh blueberries and a generous amount of lemon zest to really elevate the flavors. The combination surprised me with its balance of sweetness and tang, making it perfect for any occasion. My family couldn’t believe how easy it was!
One tip I learned is to fold the blueberries into the batter gently to avoid breaking them, which preserves their shape and burst of flavor in each bite. It’s little details like this that make a recipe special, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor enhances the sweetness of blueberries
- Moist, tender crumb paired with a delightful texture
- Easily adaptable with different berry combinations
Understanding the Ingredients
The combination of all-purpose flour and granulated sugar in this Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread creates a balanced texture that is both tender and slightly sweet. The flour provides the structure necessary for the bread to rise, while the sugar not only sweetens but also aids in browning the crust as it bakes. If you're looking to reduce sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar for a similar texture.
Butter plays a crucial role in adding moisture and richness to this bread. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels more precisely. For a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil can be substituted. Just keep in mind that it may impart a subtle coconut flavor, which can pair nicely with the lemon and blueberries.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve that perfect loaf with a golden crust and soft interior, it's essential to avoid overmixing after combining your wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can result in a dense bread rather than a light, fluffy one. When adding blueberries, gently folding them in helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
As you bake, keeping an eye on the time is crucial. Ovens can vary widely in temperature. Check for doneness about 5 minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s ideal. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the bread.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start:
For the Quick Bread
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Make sure to have these ingredients ready for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and lemon zest, mixing well until combined.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries until evenly distributed.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
With these steps, you'll have a delightful quick bread ready to share!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a simple glaze.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you'd like to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring the slices to a resealable bag. This will allow you to enjoy a slice when the craving hits, without compromising its freshness.
For serving, I recommend pairing this bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze. A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice, achieving a zesty finish that enhances the bright flavors of the bread. It’s also delightful alongside a cup of tea or coffee at breakfast or brunch.
Variations and Customizations
While blueberries are the star here, this recipe is adaptable to different berries based on what you have on hand. Raspberries or chopped strawberries can also be used, offering their own unique flavor profiles that still pair beautifully with lemon. Just be mindful that different berries may require slight adjustments in baking time or sugar levels, especially if they’re juicier than blueberries.
For those wishing to infuse extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Zesting additional citrus, such as lime or orange, can also elevate the flavor complexity, adding a refreshing twist to the traditional lemon and blueberry combination.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just fold them in still frozen to avoid excess juice.
→ How should I store the quick bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture may be denser.
→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor.
Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread
I absolutely love baking quick breads, and this Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread has become one of my favorites. The bright burst of lemon combined with the sweet blueberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both refreshing and indulgent. I often make it for brunch gatherings or just as a treat for myself during the week. It requires minimal prep time and is simple enough even for beginner bakers. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is truly irresistible!
Created by: Kitty Lawrence
Recipe Type: Everyday Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
For the Quick Bread
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and lemon zest, mixing well until combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the blueberries until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a simple glaze.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g