Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread
Highlighted under: Bakes & Treats
I love starting my mornings with a delightful slice of Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread. The combination of juicy blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing flavor that brightens up my day. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect addition to my breakfast spread or an afternoon snack. Plus, it's so easy to prepare! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can enjoy this delicious treat anytime I want.
When I first made this Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to whip up. I used fresh blueberries and some homemade lemon zest, which really enhanced the flavor. The first bite reminded me of summer picnics and warm sunshine. Now, every time I make it, the aroma fills my kitchen with nostalgia and the promise of something delicious.
One tip that I found helpful is to let the bread cool before slicing. This prevents the loaf from crumbling and ensures perfect, even cuts. Whether I’m serving it for brunch or simply indulging myself, this bread is always a hit among family and friends!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and a hint of lemon zest
- Perfectly crispy edges with a soft and fluffy center
- Versatile enough to enjoy any time of the day
The Role of Blueberries and Lemon
Blueberries not only bring a burst of natural sweetness to the Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread but also contribute moisture to the batter. Their antioxidants and vibrant color make this bread visually appealing as well. When folding in the blueberries, be gentle to avoid breaking them, which can lead to an overly colored batter. Aim for a light folding technique to ensure they are evenly distributed while keeping their shape intact.
Lemon zest and juice are the key elements that elevate this recipe. The zest adds aromatic oils that enhance the overall flavor, while the juice introduces a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness from the sugar and blueberries. If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can substitute bottled lemon juice, but the zest is irreplaceable for that bright flavor. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
Baking Tips for Perfection
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread rather than the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix until just combined and you start to see a few dry spots in the batter. This will help ensure your bread rises well and has that lovely soft center while still maintaining a slight crispiness on the edges.
Keep an eye on your baking time, as ovens can vary. Start checking the bread a few minutes before the minimum time by inserting a toothpick into the center; it’s done when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning while allowing it to bake through.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix these ingredients well to create a delightful blend of flavors for the bread.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
Fold in Blueberries and Lemon
Gently fold in the blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice, taking care not to crush the berries.
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Slice and serve your delicious Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze on top once cooled. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until desired consistency is reached.
Storage and Freezing
This Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you crave a quick breakfast or snack.
When ready to eat, you can thaw the slices at room temperature for about an hour or pop them in the toaster directly from the freezer for a crispy finish. A light spreading of butter right before toasting can enhance the flavor and texture, giving you that freshly baked experience without the extra effort.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread experience, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add a lovely touch of sweetness, making it visually appealing and delicious. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit, and perhaps some lemon curd for those who appreciate an extra citrus kick.
Another great addition is to serve it warm, drizzled with honey or maple syrup, which complements the lemony flavor beautifully. This not only enhances the overall taste but also makes for a more indulgent experience, perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend breakfast.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used but do not thaw them before adding to the batter. This will help prevent the batter from turning blue.
→ How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread
I love starting my mornings with a delightful slice of Blueberry Lemon Toasted Bread. The combination of juicy blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing flavor that brightens up my day. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect addition to my breakfast spread or an afternoon snack. Plus, it's so easy to prepare! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can enjoy this delicious treat anytime I want.
Created by: Madeline Archer
Recipe Type: Bakes & Treats
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice, taking care not to crush the berries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze on top once cooled. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until desired consistency is reached.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g