Name: Lemon Blueberry Bread
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 to 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

Description

Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, bringing a fresh and fruity twist to your baking repertoire. With its light, fluffy texture and vibrant flavors, this bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp lemon zest
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries

For the Lemon Glaze/Syrup:

2 to 3 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the sides and bottom of a loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out smoothly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 ½ cups of flour and baking powder in a bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumps.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, yogurt (or sour cream), salt, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. The combination of yogurt and lemon zest will give the bread its moist texture and zesty flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Add Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to coat them. This step helps to prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make Lemon Glaze: While the bread cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is cool, use a toothpick to poke holes all over the loaf, including the top and sides. Brush the lemon syrup over the bread, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the glaze harden for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Slicing: For best results, use a serrated knife to slice the Lemon Blueberry Bread. This helps achieve clean cuts without squashing the loaf.
Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy the bread warm from the oven or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can lightly toast individual slices for added texture.
Accompaniments: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of cream cheese for a deliciously creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also enhance the presentation.
Presentation: Garnish with additional lemon zest or a few extra blueberries on top of the glaze for a visually appealing finish. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar can add a touch of elegance.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the Lemon Blueberry Bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate or want to keep the bread fresh for a longer period, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. However, note that refrigeration might slightly affect the texture of the bread.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven to restore some of its original texture.
Slicing Before Freezing: For convenience, consider slicing the bread before freezing. This allows you to take out individual slices as needed, making it easier to enjoy a fresh piece without thawing the entire loaf.