Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread
Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Collection
I absolutely adore making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread whenever I'm in the mood for something sweet and refreshing. The combination of juicy blueberries with a hint of zesty lemon creates a perfect balance, making it an ideal accompaniment to afternoon tea. Plus, the aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is absolutely delightful and sets the perfect mood for any gathering. This bread is moist, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser that I love sharing with friends and family.
Making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is like capturing the essence of a sunny day in a loaf. I remember the first time I combined blueberries with lemon zest, and I was amazed at how beautifully the flavors complemented each other. The tartness of lemon enhances the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a treat that's not just delicious but also visually appealing.
One tip I've discovered is to toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the bread. Give it a try—the results are delicious!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh blueberry goodness and a hint of lemon zest
- Moist and fluffy texture that's simply irresistible
- Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a dessert
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread's deliciousness lies in the quality of its ingredients. Fresh blueberries are crucial; they add moisture and bursts of natural sweetness. When selecting blueberries, look for plump, firm berries with a deep blue color, as they will enhance both flavor and appearance. You can substitute frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren't available, but be sure to fold them in gently while still frozen to avoid color bleeding into the batter.
Lemon zest and juice are essential for providing that bright, zesty contrast to the sweet blueberries. The zest contains aromatic oils that elevate the overall flavor profile of the bread, while the juice adds moisture and a tangy kick. Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant taste of freshly squeezed.
Mastering the Technique
When creaming together the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency that typically takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing. This process is vital as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter texture in the finished bread. Undermixing can result in a denser loaf, so take your time with this step. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for achieving the ideal fluffiness.
Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; this helps maintain the bread's fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in a tougher bread. It's okay to see a few lumps in the batter, as they will bake out, ensuring a tender result.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful bread:
Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're all set to start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is baked and cooled, enjoy it as is, or with a light dusting of powdered sugar!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread.
Storage Tips
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it; in the fridge, it can last about a week. Always ensure it's tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. This method allows you to enjoy a slice whenever you crave it, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations! Try adding poppy seeds or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. For a spiced twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, which complements both the blueberries and lemon beautifully.
You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. Just remember that this might slightly change the texture and flavor, so adjust the moisture by adding a tablespoon or two of milk if needed.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used; just do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
→ How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
→ Can I make mini loaves?
Absolutely! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
→ Is it possible to substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread
I absolutely adore making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread whenever I'm in the mood for something sweet and refreshing. The combination of juicy blueberries with a hint of zesty lemon creates a perfect balance, making it an ideal accompaniment to afternoon tea. Plus, the aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is absolutely delightful and sets the perfect mood for any gathering. This bread is moist, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser that I love sharing with friends and family.
Created by: Rosamund Blake
Recipe Type: Homemade Baking Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g