Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Introduction

Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that combines the tart sweetness of fresh blueberries with the zesty brightness of lemon. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with your afternoon tea. The tender crumb and vibrant flavor make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Topped with a simple yet tangy lemon glaze, this blueberry bread is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Whether you are looking for a weekend baking project, a gift to bring to a friend, or just something sweet to enjoy at home, Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze fits the bill. It’s simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, and it has the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Afternoon tea or coffee
• Holiday gatherings or family celebrations
• Potlucks or picnics
• Gift-giving (wrapped up in parchment paper and tied with twine for a rustic touch)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze is a winning recipe for many reasons:

• Moist and Tender Texture: The bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist thanks to the buttermilk and oil, which create a tender crumb that holds onto the blueberries beautifully.
• Bursting with Blueberries: The sweetness of fresh or frozen blueberries is spread throughout the bread, giving you a fruity burst in each bite.
• Zesty Lemon Glaze: The tangy lemon glaze provides a refreshing citrusy contrast to the sweet bread, making every slice irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is minimal, making this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can swap the glaze for a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a different flavored glaze.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze:

Blueberry Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss the blueberries in)

Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

• Blueberries: These vibrant berries provide natural sweetness and bursts of flavor. They also add antioxidants and fiber to the bread, making it a more nutritious indulgence.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives the bread its light, airy texture and helps to activate the baking soda, ensuring a perfect rise.
• Lemon: The lemon zest and juice in both the bread and glaze give a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread, brightening up each bite.
• Oil: The vegetable oil or melted coconut oil keeps the bread moist and adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze:

Prepare the Blueberry Bread Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until fully incorporated.
4. Toss Blueberries in Flour: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Gently fold the blueberries into the wet mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.

Bake the Blueberry Bread:

7. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

9. Make the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Finish the Bread:

10. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. You can use a spoon or a small piping bag to evenly distribute the glaze.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing the bread. Cut into slices and serve as a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!

How to Serve Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze can be served in a variety of ways:

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: This bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a lovely choice for an afternoon break.
• With Fresh Fruit: For a fresh and healthy touch, serve a slice of bread alongside fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or citrus segments.
• As a Gift: This bread makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap it in parchment paper, tie it with a cute ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift for friends or family.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it as a delicious addition to your morning spread, accompanied by scrambled eggs, yogurt, or a fruit salad.

Additional Tips for Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Here are some tips to make your Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze even better:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure a tender crumb, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
• Chill the Bread for Neat Slices: If you want neat slices, let the bread cool completely before cutting. Chilling it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator will also help it firm up, making slicing easier.
• Add Nuts or Seeds: For added texture, try stirring in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds into the batter.
• Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of sugar. For a tangier glaze, increase the lemon juice.

Recipe Variations of Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Here are some variations of Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze that you can try:

• Strawberry Lemon Bread: Swap the blueberries for fresh strawberries, and pair them with the lemon glaze for a summery, fruit-forward bread.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon-poppy seed combo.
• Blueberry Banana Bread: Incorporate mashed ripe banana into the batter for a richer, denser loaf with the classic blueberry-lemon flavor.
• Vegan Blueberry Bread: Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free milk substitute for a vegan-friendly option.
• Lemon Glazed Muffins: Make this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into muffin tins and baking for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Chocolate Chip Blueberry Bread: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist on the classic blueberry bread.

Freezing and Storage for Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

• Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refriger

ate it for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze:

• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: A standard loaf pan is perfect for making this bread at the ideal thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: Having a set of large and medium bowls will help you easily mix the wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling the bread evenly and preventing it from becoming soggy.
• Spatula or Spoon: You’ll need a spatula to fold in the blueberries gently and a spoon to drizzle the lemon glaze over the bread.
• Whisk: A whisk will help you combine the glaze ingredients smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps.

FAQ Section about Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
3. Can I use a different glaze?
   Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can swap the glaze for a simple vanilla glaze or even a cream cheese frosting.
4. How do I know when the bread is done?
   The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I make this bread without eggs?
   Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or other egg substitutes like applesauce or mashed bananas.

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Conclusion

Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. With its moist texture, zesty glaze, and vibrant blueberries, this bread is a treat for the senses and a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a gift, or just a comforting snack, this recipe is easy, delicious, and versatile. Enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of tea or coffee, and savor the fresh flavors in every bite!