Blueberry Bread Loaf is a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect any time of day. It’s soft, moist, and packed with juicy blueberries in every bite. A touch of lemon zest adds a fresh, bright flavor, while yogurt and eggs help keep the loaf tender.
Why We Love This Blueberry Bread Loaf Recipe
This Blueberry Bread Loaf is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. You will love this loaf for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor! The blueberries burst with sweetness, complemented by the zesty lemon, creating a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. The texture is also key. It’s light and fluffy, yet incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Not only is this loaf easy to make, but it also allows for a lot of flexibility. You can enjoy it as is, or you can dress it up with a sweet glaze that adds an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you bake it to share with friends or keep it all to yourself (no judgment here!), this Blueberry Bread Loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients about Blueberry Bread Loaf
To create your very own Blueberry Bread Loaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour (plain or all-purpose)
- 1 cup white sugar (ideally caster or superfine)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably not low fat)
- 3 large eggs (about 55 – 60g or 2oz each)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable, grapeseed oil)
- 2 tsp flour (for tossing blueberries)
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen; no need to defrost)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for optional glaze, sifted)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for optional glaze)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for optional glaze, if needed)
How to Make Blueberry Bread Loaf Directions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Blueberry Bread Loaf:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan forced). Grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Blueberries: Toss your blueberries in 2 teaspoons of flour. This step prevents them from sinking in the batter, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the loaf.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This mixture will form the foundation of your loaf.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the yogurt, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and canola oil into this well. Whisk everything together until well blended and smooth.
Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the floured blueberries into your batter, making sure to include any remaining flour. Be cautious not to over-mix; you want to retain those beautiful blueberries whole.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, cover the loaf with foil to prevent over-browning and continue to bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully cooked.
Cool the Loaf: Once it’s done baking, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze: If you’d like to add a glaze, combine sifted powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf and allow it to set, about 20 minutes.
Slice and Serve: Now comes the best part—slice up your beautiful Blueberry Bread Loaf and serve!
How to Serve Blueberry Bread Loaf
Serving your Blueberry Bread Loaf can be a delightful experience. You can enjoy it while it’s still slightly warm, allowing the flavors to shine through. A slice with a pat of butter is always a classic option. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert treat.
This loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Try it with freshly brewed coffee for a cozy morning or serve it at an afternoon tea gathering alongside a refreshing herbal tea. For those special gatherings, consider garnishing your slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Additionally, this Blueberry Bread Loaf makes for an excellent gift. Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and a beautiful ribbon, and you have a heartfelt present for friends or family.
Expert Tips: Blueberry Bread Loaf
To ensure your Blueberry Bread Loaf turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries: Using fresh blueberries offers the best flavor and texture, but frozen blueberries work just as well. There’s no need to defrost; simply toss them in flour, and they will bake beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, which you want to avoid.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your loaf as it bakes. Stick a toothpick or skewer into the center, and if it comes out clean, your loaf is ready.
- Zest Wisely: When zesting lemons, make sure to only remove the yellow part of the rind; the white pith can be bitter and might impact the flavor of your loaf.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to get creative with the glaze. Add different citrus juices like orange or lime, or even incorporate flavors like almond extract for a unique twist.
How to Store Blueberry Bread Loaf
Storing your Blueberry Bread Loaf properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week, though the texture may be slightly altered.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing your loaf. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, ensuring as little air as possible is trapped inside. You can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in a microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
Variation of Blueberry Bread Loaf
One of the best things about the Blueberry Bread Loaf is its versatility. You can create various variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Use Sour Cream: For a richer flavor and moist texture, try substituting half of the yogurt with sour cream.
- Mix in Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits too! Chopped strawberries, raspberries, or peaches can all add a lovely twist to the traditional recipe.
- Cinnamon Swirl: For a touch of warming spice, add a cinnamon swirl to your batter by mixing a few teaspoons of cinnamon with sugar and layering it within the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you could substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to add an extra egg to help with binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blueberry Bread Loaf?
Blueberry Bread Loaf is a soft, sweet loaf of bread that features blueberries as the star ingredient. It is typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and yogurt to create a moist and flavorful baked good.
How long does Blueberry Bread Loaf last?
When stored properly, Blueberry Bread Loaf can last for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For extended freshness, consider freezing it.
Can I use frozen blueberries in my Blueberry Bread Loaf?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work great in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them; simply toss them in flour and fold them directly into the batter.
How do I make my Blueberry Bread Loaf extra moist?
Using plain yogurt or sour cream in your recipe helps keep the bread moist. Additionally, be careful not to over-bake the loaf, as this can dry it out.
Can I add a glaze to the Blueberry Bread Loaf?
Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice adds a delightful sweetness and a beautiful finish to your Blueberry Bread Loaf.
Blueberry Bread Loaf
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups flour (plain or all-purpose)
- 1 cup white sugar (ideally caster or superfine)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably not low fat)
- 3 large eggs (about 55 – 60g or 2oz each)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable, grapeseed oil)
Blueberries and Glaze (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen; no need to defrost)
- 2 tsp flour (for tossing blueberries)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for optional glaze, sifted)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for optional glaze)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for optional glaze, if needed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan forced) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Toss blueberries in 2 tsp of flour to prevent sinking in the batter.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In the center of the dry ingredients, add yogurt, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and canola oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes.
- Cover the loaf with foil to prevent over-browning and continue to bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
Cooling and Glazing
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- For the optional glaze, mix sifted powdered sugar with lemon juice and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Serving
- Slice and serve the Blueberry Bread Loaf, optionally with butter or whipped cream.