When you think of a perfect treat to brighten your day, what comes to mind? The delightful combination of lemon and blueberries in a freshly baked loaf might just be the answer you seek. Lemon Blueberry Bread is not only a treat for your taste buds; it embodies the essence of sunny days and fresh ingredients. This moist, flavorful bread serves as an excellent breakfast option, snack, or even a dessert.
Why We Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
The beauty of this Lemon Blueberry Bread lies in its versatility. You can enjoy it warm from the oven or save it for later in the week. The inviting aroma of lemon makes your kitchen feel like a cozy little bakery. Imagine the joy of cutting into a loaf that is perfectly baked, with vibrant blueberries peeking through the golden exterior. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an ordinary day, this recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table. Not to mention, the addition of Greek yogurt enhances the bread’s moistness, making every bite delightful.
Ingredients About Lemon Blueberry Bread
To create this gorgeous loaf, you’ll need a few simple but essential ingredients. Let’s break them down:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Lemon glaze (optional), for serving
Each ingredient plays a vital role in ensuring your Lemon Blueberry Bread turns out perfectly moist and delicious.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread Directions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—making your Lemon Blueberry Bread. Follow these straightforward steps to create a loaf that you will rave about.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, take an 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with a little extra-virgin olive oil.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt. This blend of ingredients helps create a fluffy texture while ensuring the bread rises beautifully.
Combine the Sugar and Zest: In a larger mixing bowl, place 1/2 cup of cane sugar along with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing those fragrant oils and infusing the sugar with a bright lemon flavor.
Add the Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the lemon sugar mixture, add 3/4 cup of whole milk Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined.
Incorporate the Dry Mixture: Gently add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into this wet mixture. Stir it until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Blueberries: Now, it’s time to fold in 1 1/2 cups of blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed within the batter. The batter will be thick, which is perfectly normal and helps to hold the blueberries in place while baking.
Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, drizzle your cooled loaf with a lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread
Your Lemon Blueberry Bread is now a work of art, and there are multiple ways you can enjoy it. Slice the loaf into generous pieces and serve it as is, or consider some delightful serving suggestions:
- Morning Boost: Start your day with a slice alongside your morning coffee or tea. The citrus flavor will wake you up and energize you for the day ahead.
- Midday Snack: Pack a slice for a snack at work or school. The portable nature of this bread makes it an ideal grab-and-go option.
- Dessert Delight: Serve it as a light dessert after dinner, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added treat.
- Brunch Showstopper: Dazzle friends at your next brunch gathering with this lovely loaf. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruits and cheeses.
Expert Tips: Lemon Blueberry Bread
To elevate your baking experience, consider the following expert tips:
- Use Fresh Blueberries: If possible, opt for fresh blueberries, as their flavor and texture enhance the bread significantly. If using frozen, be sure not to thaw them before mixing, as they can bleed into the batter.
- Room Temperature Eggs: For the best results, use room temperature eggs to help the batter emulsify correctly. This contributes to a better overall texture in your finished loaf.
- Zesting: Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing them. This ensures that you have plenty of fresh zest ready to incorporate into your recipe, giving it that bright lemony flavor you desire.
- Overmixing: Be mindful not to overmix your batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a tough texture in your finished loaf.
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
How to Store Lemon Blueberry Bread
After you’ve baked and indulged in your delicious Lemon Blueberry Bread, you might wonder how to store it for future enjoyment. Here’s a simple method:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bread within a few days, keep it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can place the bread in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it well to avoid it absorbing any odors from other foods.
- Freezing: You can freeze Lemon Blueberry Bread for up to three months. Slice the loaf and wrap each slice in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need.
Variation of Lemon Blueberry Bread
While the classic Lemon Blueberry Bread is already a standout, you can easily switch things up or introduce new flavors. Here are some delightful variations to consider:
- Nutty Addition: Add a half cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor contrast. They pair wonderfully with the soft blueberries.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair, making your bread even more interesting and flavorful.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Swap out some of the blueberries for poppy seeds to create a lemon poppy seed bread that still has that citrus zing.
- Mixed Berries: Use a mix of berries instead of just blueberries. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can all create a delightful medley within your bread.
- Spiced Up: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warming spice profile that complements the lemon beautifully.
FAQ About Lemon Blueberry Bread
What is the best way to serve Lemon Blueberry Bread?
You can enjoy it plain, with butter, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze. It pairs wonderfully with coffee for breakfast or as a light dessert with whipped cream.
Can I make Lemon Blueberry Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread can be made in advance. It stores well for several days at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or even frozen for later enjoyment.
How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work just fine. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing, as thawing can lead to a bluish batter.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, sour cream, or even applesauce can be used in a pinch. These alternatives will still provide moisture and a delightful flavor.
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¾ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for the pan
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup lemon glaze (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
- In a large bowl, mix the cane sugar and lemon zest, rubbing the zest into the sugar to release its oils.
- Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the blueberries gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with lemon glaze if desired before serving.
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