Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
Highlighted under: Oven-Fresh Wonders
I love starting my day with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a beautiful balance that brightens my mornings. My family adores this recipe because it's easy to whip up and fills the kitchen with a delightful citrus scent. The golden crust and moist crumb make it the perfect companion alongside my coffee. Not to mention, it’s versatile enough to double as a lovely afternoon snack. Trust me, this bread will become a morning staple in your home too!
When I first made this Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread, I didn't expect it to turn out so delicious! The trick is to use fresh blueberries and a generous amount of lemon zest, which elevates the flavor to a whole new level. I've learned that folding in the blueberries gently ensures that they don’t burst, providing those lovely bursts of flavor without turning your batter blue.
Over the years, this recipe has become a favorite among my friends and family. I often experiment with adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds for an extra layer of texture and taste. It’s the perfect way to add a twist to a classical recipe, keeping my loved ones excited about what’s to come from my kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and zesty flavors that awaken your taste buds
- Moist and tender crumb that's perfect for breakfast
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation, great for any skill level
Perfecting Your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
For the best texture and flavor, it's crucial to use room temperature ingredients. This ensures that the melted butter blends smoothly with the eggs and milk, creating a uniform batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser loaf and uneven baking. If you're short on time, you can warm the milk slightly in the microwave and let the eggs sit in warm water for a few minutes before using them.
When folding in the blueberries, be gentle to prevent breaking them apart. This preserves their shape and prevents the batter from turning purple. If you're using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them; just toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking.
Storage and Enjoying Your Bread
Once baked, allow the Lemon Blueberry Bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to maintain its moist crumb. If you want to keep the bread fresh for several days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, though this may slightly alter the texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Slice it first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or use the microwave in short bursts if you're in a hurry.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a delightful Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a smooth baking experience.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Incorporate Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your delicious bread!
Enjoy a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread fresh out of the oven!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding a glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice on top once the bread has cooled. It adds an additional layer of sweetness and zest.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your serving experience, consider adding a glaze to your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. A simple powdered sugar glaze made from mixing powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice creates a beautiful finish and enhances the lemony flavor. Drizzle it on top after the bread has cooled completely.
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, but it can also shine at brunch with a side of yogurt or whipped cream. Add some fresh blueberries or lemon zest on the side for an attractive presentation.
Dietary Adjustments
If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just keep an eye on the mixing process; gluten-free batters can become gummy if overworked. Similarly, if you need a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
For a healthier twist, consider reducing the sugar by a third to half without sacrificing flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of the blueberries. This adjustment can keep the bread light while still delicious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well too. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing.
→ How do I store leftover bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
→ Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
→ What can I serve this bread with?
This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even yogurt for breakfast.
Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
I love starting my day with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a beautiful balance that brightens my mornings. My family adores this recipe because it's easy to whip up and fills the kitchen with a delightful citrus scent. The golden crust and moist crumb make it the perfect companion alongside my coffee. Not to mention, it’s versatile enough to double as a lovely afternoon snack. Trust me, this bread will become a morning staple in your home too!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your delicious bread!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding a glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice on top once the bread has cooled. It adds an additional layer of sweetness and zest.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g