There’s a certain magic that unfolds in the kitchen when you combine bright, zesty lemons with plump, juicy blueberries. The scent of lemon wafting through the air brings with it memories of sunny afternoons spent picnic-ing or leisurely brunching with friends, laughter echoing over sweet treats. Growing up, my grandmother had a knack for baking, often experimenting with fresh fruit in her recipes. One summer afternoon, she introduced me to her Lemon Blueberry Bread, a dish that encapsulates the warmth of the sun, the thrill of the harvest, and the nostalgia of home. Today, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe, a slice of which will surely brighten your day!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 1 hour
- Total Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Portion Size: 8-10 slices
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 230
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. It strikes the perfect balance between tartness and sweetness, with the creamy richness of sour cream adding incredible moisture. Each bite bursts with fruity goodness, making it a fantastic companion for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert. The vibrant flavors will transport you to a sun-drenched orchard, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is something you absolutely don’t want to miss!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on this delightful adventure in your kitchen. With each step, you’ll witness the transformation of simple ingredients into a cloud-like loaf of pure bliss, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend not only gives structure to your bread but also contributes to its delightful rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter, ensuring a nice, airy loaf.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture. Blend everything until it’s well combined, filling your kitchen with that irresistible citrus aroma.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream until you achieve a smooth consistency. This will add moisture and richness, ensuring your bread is decadent and soft.
Step 6: Combine Your Mixtures
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over mix; you want tenderness in your bread!
Step 7: Folding in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout your batter without breaking them apart—those juicy gems are essential for bursts of flavor!
Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf as it bakes, and allow the warm, tantalizing scent to fill your home.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting might be the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve thick slices of this lemon blueberry bread warm, perhaps spread with a bit of butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for morning gatherings or afternoon tea. You might even consider pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover Lemon Blueberry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a resealable bag for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them beforehand; this helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
- If you want to make it even more indulgent, a light lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) over the top once it’s cooled is a fabulous touch!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to play around with different flavors! Try adding chopped nuts for additional crunch, substitute different berries like raspberries or blackberries, or swap out lemon for orange or lime for a different citrus twist. You can also experiment with using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor profile.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. -
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A common reason for sinking is overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early. Avoid both! -
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just fold them in directly while they’re still frozen to keep them from bleeding into the batter. -
How do I know when it’s properly baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. -
How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
Consider adding lemon extract or increasing the amount of lemon zest in the recipe for a more pronounced lemony kick.
Wrapping Up
I hope you give this Lemon Blueberry Bread a try! It’s such a wonderful recipe that perfectly bridges the gap between sweet and tart. There’s truly something satisfying about slicing into a freshly baked loaf, its fragrant warmth enveloping you in comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, this bread is bound to brighten your day. Happy baking!
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Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Lemon Blueberry Bread that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, bursting with fruity goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture and blend until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze slices for up to three months. For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
