blueberry bread recipe

The Perfect Blueberry Bread: A Simple, Scrumptious Recipe for Busy Mornings

Blueberry Bread is a quintessential quick bread that marries the sweet and tart flavors of fresh blueberries with a moist, tender crumb. It’s a treat that’s as delightful for breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack, and it’s a recipe that every home baker should have in their repertoire. This Blueberry Bread is not only super easy and quick to make from scratch, but it also requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings when time is of the essence.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s studded with juicy, plump blueberries. The beauty of this Blueberry Bread lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can whip up a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

1. Ease of Preparation: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. The steps are straightforward, and there’s no need for any special equipment or techniques.
2. Quick and Convenient: With only 10 minutes of prep time and an hour in the oven, you can have a freshly baked loaf ready in just over an hour. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.
3. Versatility: This bread can be enjoyed on its own, toasted with a bit of butter, or even transformed into a delicious French toast. It’s versatile enough to be served as a breakfast, snack, or dessert.
4. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, fruity flavor of this bread. It’s a great way to get some fruit into your diet, especially for picky eaters who might shy away from fresh blueberries.

The Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Blueberry Bread so special:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and body. It’s important to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread. While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup, you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the bread. You can use any type of milk you have on hand, whether it’s whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and keeps the bread tender. You can substitute with melted butter or another neutral oil if you prefer.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the bread. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully.
• Blueberries: The star of the show! Fresh blueberries are ideal, but you can also use frozen blueberries if that’s what you have. Just be sure to add them straight from the freezer to prevent streaking in the batter.
• Sugar for Topping: A simple sprinkle of sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Next, grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan, ensuring a clean release.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to mix these ingredients well so that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will help the bread rise evenly as it bakes.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients add moisture and flavor to the bread. Make sure they are well combined before adding them to the dry ingredients.

4. Mix the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture just until the batter is blended. It’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread. The batter should be thick but smooth, with no visible streaks of flour.

5. Fold in the Blueberries

Before adding the blueberries, toss them with a teaspoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf as it bakes. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. A silicone spatula works best for this step as it’s gentle on the berries.

6. Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar over the top of the batter. This will create a sweet, crunchy crust as the bread bakes.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using frozen blueberries, the baking time may be slightly longer.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Once the bread is done baking, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After 15 minutes, transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain the structure of the bread and prevents it from becoming too crumbly.

Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Bread

1. Measuring Flour: Always measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense, dry loaf. Don’t scoop the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and give you more than the recipe calls for.
2. Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. If you like a sweeter bread, feel free to increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.
3. Blueberries at Room Temperature: Let the blueberries come to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps them blend into the batter more smoothly and bake evenly.
4. Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense loaf.
5. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, don’t let them thaw before adding them to the batter. This will help minimize streaking in the batter. Just remember that the baking time may be a bit longer.

Serving and Storing Blueberry Bread

Blueberry Bread is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve it on its own, or spread a little butter on top for an extra indulgent treat. This bread also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option.

To store Blueberry Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months. If freezing, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the bread at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

Conclusion

This Blueberry Bread is the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weekday morning but special enough to serve for a weekend brunch. With its moist crumb and juicy blueberries, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of fresh blueberries, and it’s guaranteed to brighten your day with every bite.