Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread
Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites
I absolutely love starting my day with a slice of Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread. The zesty lemon perfectly complements the sweet, juicy blueberries, creating a delightful flavor fusion that brightens up my mornings. Each bite is moist and fluffy, making it the ideal accompaniment to my coffee or tea. I find this recipe not only quick to make but also a fantastic way to use up fresh blueberries. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade treat that feels light yet indulgent.
Making this Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread has become a cherished weekend ritual for me. The aroma of baking bread fills my kitchen, setting the stage for a cozy morning. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; I decided to combine my love for blueberries with my zest for lemon, and the result was a delightful surprise that my family devoured!
One tip I learned is to toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This simple step helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout each slice. I find this small trick makes a huge difference in presentation and taste, allowing you to enjoy berries in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing flavor combination of lemon and blueberries
- Moist, tender crumb that's perfect for breakfast or as a snack
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour forms the bread's structure, while sugar not only sweetens but helps create a moist crumb. The melted butter introduces fat, ensuring each slice is soft. Utilizing fresh blueberries is key; they burst during baking, infusing natural sweetness and juiciness into every bite.
Lemon zest and juice provide that bright, refreshing flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread. Using fresh lemons is recommended, as bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant taste and aroma that fresh zest delivers. If you're in a pinch, you could use a little lemon extract as a substitute, but fresh is truly best to elevate the bread.
Techniques for Perfect Results
When mixing the batter, it's important to combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf due to gluten development. A light hand with the mixing ensures that your bread remains tender and fluffy. Watch for the batter to be slightly lumpy—this is perfectly normal and desired in quick bread recipes.
Another crucial step is tossing the blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking, allowing for an even distribution throughout the loaf. Additionally, be gentle when folding them in to maintain the integrity of the batter while incorporating these juicy bursts of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Blueberries
Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled bread made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This breakfast bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. If you want to extend its freshness, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. You can also slice and freeze the bread for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen slices, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast. Reheating will revive the fluffy texture, and a pat of butter can enhance the flavor further, warming up the loaf while adding richness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Blueberry Lemon Bread is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a delightful brunch offering, consider serving it with a side of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to enhance the sweetness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving also adds a nice touch and a bit of elegance.
Pairing this bread with beverages like iced tea or a refreshing lemonade enhances its vibrant flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even create a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice, pouring it over the cooled bread for an extra zing. This not only adds flavor but also gives the loaf an appealing glossy finish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing, but be aware they may slightly change the bread's texture.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check for proper ratios.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with butter, cream cheese, or a side of fresh fruit.
Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread
I absolutely love starting my day with a slice of Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread. The zesty lemon perfectly complements the sweet, juicy blueberries, creating a delightful flavor fusion that brightens up my mornings. Each bite is moist and fluffy, making it the ideal accompaniment to my coffee or tea. I find this recipe not only quick to make but also a fantastic way to use up fresh blueberries. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade treat that feels light yet indulgent.
Created by: Hannah Lewis
Recipe Type: Home Baking Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 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). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set it aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled bread made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g