Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, sweet treat that’ll fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, look no further than this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze. This bread is soft, tender, and bursting with fresh blueberries, all brought together by the warm embrace of vanilla. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, we drizzle a zesty lemon glaze on top that’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Trust me, this is a game-changer in the world of quick breads!

Why You’ll Love Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The vanilla and blueberry combination is always a winner, but add that lemon glaze on top, and you’ve got a flavor profile that’s refreshingly sweet with just the right amount of citrus zing.

Simple to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques for this recipe. Just mix your ingredients, bake, and let the oven do the hard work. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool so you can dig in!

Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack with your afternoon tea, this blueberry bread is perfect for any time of day. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks or as a gift for a friend (if you can part with it, of course!).

Freezable: Make a double batch, and freeze one loaf for later. It’s perfect for those days when you want something delicious without the effort of baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this blueberry bread and lemon glaze:

For the Blueberry Bread:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base, giving the bread that soft, light texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread just enough to complement the tartness of the blueberries.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become perfectly light and airy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings the flavors together.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the bread its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: The warm flavor of vanilla works so well with blueberries.
• Milk: Helps create a soft crumb and moisture.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries—your choice! Just make sure they’re plump and juicy.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and makes it perfectly smooth.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice for that zesty, tangy flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a little extra citrus punch to the glaze.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get this gorgeous blueberry bread in the oven:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches) with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth. This will help create a light texture in the bread.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the bread light and tender.

6. Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure they’re not too packed together so they don’t all sink to the bottom of the bread.

7. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top.

8. Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Make the Lemon Glaze

While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and slightly runny. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more lemon juice.

10. Drizzle the Glaze

Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. It will harden into a beautiful, sweet and tangy topping.

11. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice up your Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze, and enjoy! It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday treat with your favorite beverage.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 200mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
  Protein: 3g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 6%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 6%
  Potassium: 95mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze

This bread is delicious all on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, try serving it with:

• Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a side of berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can add a creamy touch to balance the bread’s sweetness.
• Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a cozy, relaxing break.

Additional Tips

• Use Frozen Blueberries: If you can’t find fresh blueberries, frozen ones will work just as well. Just don’t thaw them beforehand, or the color might bleed into the batter.
• For a Less Sweet Glaze: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, use less powdered sugar and add more lemon juice for a tart finish.
• Make Mini Loaves: If you want to share, consider making this bread in mini loaf pans! Just adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes.
• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. They’ll add texture and flavor to the bread.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen blueberries work great, but be sure to add them directly to the batter without thawing them to prevent the batter from turning purple.

Q2: How long will this bread last?
A2: The bread will last about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q3: Can I make this bread without the lemon glaze?
A3: Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own. The lemon glaze just adds a fun, zesty twist, but it’s not essential.

Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?
A4: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly, especially with gluten-free flour.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to the bread?
A5: Yes! You can substitute or mix in other berries like raspberries or blackberries. Just keep in mind that some fruits may release more moisture, which could affect the texture of the bread.

Q6: How do I make the bread less sweet?
A6: You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the bread and the glaze to make it less sweet. Alternatively, add a little more lemon juice to the glaze for more of a tart contrast.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes! If you’re making this for a larger group, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and use a larger loaf pan.

Q8: Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
A8: Yes! Buttermilk will add a nice tang and make the bread even more tender. Just use the same amount as regular milk.

Q9: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A9: To make this bread vegan, swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water), and use non-dairy milk and butter.

Q10: Can I freeze this bread?
A10: Yes! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months.

---

Conclusion

Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze is a wonderful treat that combines sweetness, citrusy zest, and fresh blueberries into a perfect bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this bread will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. Serve it up with a cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself the perfect snack or breakfast. Happy baking!

Print