5-Ingredient Lemon Blueberry Bread: Busy Baker’s Dream

Introduction

Transform humble pantry staples into a delightful lemon blueberry bread—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend brunch! This recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for even the most time-constrained cooks. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is all about efficiency and delicious results.

Why This Works

This lemon blueberry bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy lemon zest, sweet blueberries, and a moist, tender crumb. The simple mixing method ensures a quick preparation time, while the baking process creates a loaf that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make!

Key Ingredients

🍋 1 cup granulated sugar
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon zest
🫐 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
😋 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This step is crucial for easy removal later!

2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. This takes just a minute – don’t overmix!

3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay.

5️⃣ Gently fold in the lemon zest and blueberries. Be careful not to crush the blueberries.

6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7️⃣ Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• If your batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Don’t open the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can cause the bread to collapse. Check for doneness using a toothpick or wooden skewer after 50 minutes. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Crunch Factor

This recipe delivers a soft and tender crumb with bursts of juicy blueberries. The lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing element that cuts through the sweetness. The overall texture is moist and delightful.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
• Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use buttermilk instead of milk for a slightly tangier taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftover lemon blueberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a charming presentation. A simple cellophane bag with a decorative tag also works well.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.
🌟 Orange Blueberry: Replace the lemon zest with orange zest and add a teaspoon of orange extract.
🌟 Raspberry Lemon: Substitute raspberries for blueberries.
🌟 Double Berry: Add ½ cup of raspberries along with the blueberries.

Troubleshooting

• Bread is too dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
• Bread is gummy: You might have underbaked it. Bake for a few more minutes and check again.
• Bread is flat: This could be due to overmixing the batter. Try to be gentle when folding in the ingredients.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing them.
• Can I make this bread in a different sized pan? Adjust the baking time accordingly; smaller pans will require less baking time, and larger pans will need more.
• Can I substitute other citrus fruits? Yes, orange or lime zest would both work well.
• What if I don’t have baking powder or soda? The recipe won’t rise properly without these leaveners.
• Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes, simply use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion! Share your creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com and let us know how it turns out. Enjoy!