There’s nothing quite like the refreshing combination of lemon and blueberry.
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking this delicious bread.
Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1-2 tablespoons for coating the blueberries
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh whole blueberries
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Blueberry Bread:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan once it’s baked and helps prevent sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, ensuring a smoother batter. Set this bowl aside.
4. Prepare the Blueberries
In a small bowl, mix the blueberries with 1-2 tablespoons of flour until they are well-coated. This step is crucial because it prevents the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the bread rise and become light.
6. Add Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the lemon juice and lemon zest.
The lemon zest adds a burst of flavor, while the lemon juice adds moisture and a hint of tartness.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly to combine. Alternate adding the dry mixture with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
This method helps to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough bread.
8. Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in the flour-coated blueberries. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to crush the berries and turn your batter blue.
9. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
10. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The top of the loaf should be cracked, raised, and golden brown. It should be firm to the touch.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
11. Cool and Enjoy
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Bread!
Tips for the Best Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly.
- Coat the Blueberries: Don’t skip the step of coating the blueberries in flour. This helps them stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding in the blueberries to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense and tough.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Serve a slice of this bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast.
- Snack: Enjoy a piece with your afternoon tea or coffee.
- Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Its bright, citrusy flavor combined with the sweet burst of blueberries makes it a perfect treat any time of the day.
Happy baking!
Credit: @lovevivv