Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas
I always look forward to sunny mornings when I can treat myself to a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The bright citrus and juicy blueberries create a vibrant explosion of flavor that wakes up my taste buds. Baking this bread fills my kitchen with a refreshing aroma that makes every moment worthwhile. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the result is a delightful bread that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. I guarantee it will bring a burst of sunshine to your breakfast table!
During one of my weekend baking sessions, I decided to combine my love for citrus and berries, creating this Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The bright zest of lemon enhances the sweetness of the blueberries, making it a delightful companion for breakfast or brunch. I experimented with different ratios and found that using fresh blueberries provides the best texture and flavor, ensuring each slice is filled with bursts of juiciness.
This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it's still warm and aromatic. I often serve it with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra treat. Letting it rest slightly before slicing allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a bread that is soft, moist, and irresistibly flavorful!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries.
- A moist and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy mornings.
The Role of Citrus
Citrus zests, particularly lemon in this recipe, play a crucial role in enhancing flavor. The zest is rich in essential oils, providing a fragrant and vibrant note that balances the sweetness of blueberries. Make sure to use a microplane or a fine grater to obtain the zest without the bitter white pith. The lemon juice adds acidity, which not only contributes to the overall taste but also helps to keep the bread moist and tender. This interplay between the zest and juice creates an uplifting aroma that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes.
Lemon is not just for flavor; it also acts as a natural preservative. The acidity helps to extend the freshness of the bread. If you want to experiment, consider adding a splash of orange juice alongside the lemon. This can add a more complex flavor profile while still keeping the bright, citrusy essence intact.
Blueberry Handling Tips
When using fresh blueberries, it’s essential to handle them gently to prevent them from bursting and staining the batter. Rinse them just before using and lay them out on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. If you're using frozen blueberries, mix them with a touch of flour before adding them to the batter to avoid clumping at the bottom of the loaf. This technique keeps the blueberries evenly distributed throughout the bread and enhances their flavor in every bite.
For an added twist, consider using a combination of blueberries, such as a mix of sweet and tart varieties. This enhances both the color and flavor complexity, resulting in a bread that surprises with each slice. Don't shy away from adding a handful of lemon or lime zest to the blueberry mix for an extra zing that highlights the citrus theme.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread has cooled completely, it's best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick reheating option. This makes it a versatile breakfast option for those busy mornings.
This bread pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made of lemon juice and powdered sugar for added sweetness. Slices can also be toasted slightly to bring out the flavors even more, creating a delightful contrast between the crisp edges and the soft, fluffy interior. For a satisfying breakfast, serve it alongside Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola to create a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your delicious Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the blueberries.
Bake
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice and enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top after the bread has cooled.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread doesn't rise as expected, this could be due to old baking powder. Always check the expiration date of your leavening agents before use. If the bread seems too dense, it may have been overmixed. Stir gently just until combined to ensure a light texture. Keep an eye on the baking time as every oven varies; some may require a few minutes longer, while others may bake quicker, so use a toothpick test for doneness.
If you notice the edges turning too dark before the center is cooked, consider covering the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This prevents over-browning while allowing the center to catch up. Once you identify your oven’s behavior with this recipe, you can adjust accordingly for future bakes.
Scaling the Recipe
If you want to make multiple loaves for a gathering, scaling this recipe is straightforward. For every additional loaf, simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of loaves you're making. Ensure that your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. You may want to bake in batches, as overcrowding your oven can lead to uneven baking results.
For mini loaves, reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. These smaller portions are perfect for sharing or gifting, and they also make great snacks when wrapped individually. Just keep an eye on them in the oven and use the toothpick test to check for doneness as you approach the end of the baking time.
Variations to Try
There are countless ways to personalize your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans, which will add a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warm flavor dimension. Just a pinch can elevate your bread significantly and pair beautifully with the citrus and berries.
If you're looking for a healthier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. You could also reduce the sugar slightly or use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. These swaps will yield a delicious and satisfying bread perfect for any health-conscious breakfast table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
→ How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
→ Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a lemon glaze for added sweetness.
Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
I always look forward to sunny mornings when I can treat myself to a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The bright citrus and juicy blueberries create a vibrant explosion of flavor that wakes up my taste buds. Baking this bread fills my kitchen with a refreshing aroma that makes every moment worthwhile. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the result is a delightful bread that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. I guarantee it will bring a burst of sunshine to your breakfast table!
Created by: Olivia Martin
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top after the bread has cooled.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g