Linda CainWhen I first discovered one bowl lemon blueberry quick bread, I felt like I had struck gold in the kitchen. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. As I experimented with flavors and ingredients, I found that it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, ideal for an afternoon snack.
It’s also perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm evening. You can even enjoy it with a hearty breakfast alongside a couple of poached eggs. The possibilities are endless!
Now, let’s embark on a delightful journey into the world of lemon blueberry bread.
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Ah, the joys of baking! The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of pulling something warm from the oven, and the joy of sharing with family and friends. One bowl lemon blueberry quick bread captures that sentiment perfectly. Think about a sweet, tender loaf kissed by the brightness of lemon and the tartness of blueberries. It’s fast, simple, and uses just one bowl. No fuss, no mess!
Baking doesn’t have to be complicated. My experience as a registered dietitian and food blogger has highlighted the beauty of straightforward recipes. Life gets busy, and sometimes, we just want something quick that tastes amazing without complicated steps.
Imagine whipping this up on a sunny Saturday morning, all while enjoying your favorite playlist. In no time, you’ll have a delicious treat that delights everyone.
What is One Bowl Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread?
This delightful bread is a quick bread, which means it’s leavened with baking powder rather than yeast. There’s no need for lengthy rising times. It comes together in a flash, making it the perfect recipe for busy mornings or those sudden cravings. The bright lemon flavor blends harmoniously with the sweetness of blueberries. With its moist texture and beautiful crumb, each slice feels like a piece of heaven.
What I appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste. Don’t have blueberries? Use raspberries or chocolate chips instead. It stands as a perfect base for many variations.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Let’s break down the flavors. You bite into a slice, and the first thing you notice is the bright lemon zing. It’s refreshing and invigorating. Sweeter notes from the granulated sugar complement this brightness, while the blueberries offer a burst of juiciness that’s simply divine. If you choose to add cardamom or mint, you’ll experience subtle warmth or herbaceous hints that elevate this bread to another level. It’s vibrant and balanced, hitting all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This?
You’ll love this recipe not only for the wondrous flavors but because it’s quick and easy. It allows for those magical moments in the kitchen without demanding hours of your time. Here are a few more reasons why it should be added to your collection:
One Bowl Wonders: With just one bowl needed, cleanup is a breeze. Who wants to spend time washing dishes when you could be enjoying a slice of warm bread?
Customizable: You can switch out the fruits, adjust the sweetness, or add spices according to your liking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time, and you have breakfast or a snack sorted for the week.
Perfect for Sharing: Bring it to your next gathering or share with friends. Everyone appreciates homemade goodies!
Healthier Ingredients: This bread uses olive oil instead of butter, keeping it light yet flavorful.
With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into the ingredients.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Softened unsalted butter: for greasing the pan.
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: to sweeten and enhance flavor.
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons: for a vibrant citrus note.
- 1/2 cup (118 g) extra-virgin olive oil or neutral vegetable oil: for moisture.
- 2 large pasture-raised eggs: providing structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: adding depth to the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: amplifying the lemon essence.
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream or full-fat yogurt: for tenderness.
- 1 1/2 cups (195 g) all-purpose flour: the backbone of the bread.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: to give it that lovely rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: balancing sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups (222 g) fresh or frozen blueberries: bursts of flavor in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional): for warmth.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped lemon balm or mint leaves (optional): for freshness.
- Turbinado sugar: for sprinkling on top, adding a delightful crunch.
With this array of ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating something memorable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you really get into the groove, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and rises just right.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grab a loaf pan and give it a light coating of softened unsalted butter. This helps in releasing the bread effortlessly once it’s baked.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the zest of two lemons. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. This releases the aromatic oils from the zest, making the sugar fragrant and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the olive oil, followed by the two eggs, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until well combined. This should create a beautifully smooth mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream or Yogurt
Add the sour cream or yogurt, stirring until fully incorporated. This will create a base that’s rich and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom (if using). Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Lumps are okay here.
Step 7: Fold in Blueberries
Now, it’s time for the blueberries! Gently fold them into the batter, savoring the beautiful colors. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them. Just fold them in as they are.
Step 8: Pour Batter into the Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top for a lovely crunchy finish.
Step 9: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the aroma fill your kitchen; it’s going to smell heavenly!
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into generous pieces and enjoy with a cup of tea or as a delightful breakfast.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to get the best results:
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stop when you still see flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blueberries and vibrant lemons make a huge difference in flavor.
Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary; taking it out early is better than overbaking.
Store Properly: If not eaten immediately, wrap the bread in plastic wrap to maintain moisture, or store in an airtight container.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Nutrition Information
Per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf), this bread offers:
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes, but it’s a breakfast or snack option that won’t weigh heavily on your conscience.
How Can You Store This One Bowl Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread?
You’ll want to enjoy your bread while it’s fresh, but there are ways to keep it delightful over the days.
- Room Temperature: Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place it in the fridge in an airtight container for a week. The flavor may slightly change, but it will still be scrumptious.
- Freezer: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a slice.
Ingredient Alternatives
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some alternatives:
Sugars: If you need to cut down on granulated sugar, consider using maple syrup or honey. Just use a slightly lesser amount, as they are sweeter.
Oils: If olive oil isn’t available, feel free to use melted coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil. Both work well for moisture and texture.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: You can substitute Greek yogurt with applesauce. This will also enhance the moisture without adding fat.
One Bowl Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Before you really get into the groove, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and rises just right.
- Grab a loaf pan and give it a light coating of softened unsalted butter. This helps in releasing the bread effortlessly once it’s baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the zest of two lemons. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. This releases the aromatic oils from the zest, making the sugar fragrant and flavorful.
- Pour in the olive oil, followed by the two eggs, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until well combined. This should create a beautifully smooth mixture.
- Add the sour cream or yogurt, stirring until fully incorporated. This will create a base that’s rich and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom (if using). Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Lumps are okay here.
- Now, it’s time for the blueberries! Gently fold them into the batter, savoring the beautiful colors. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them. Just fold them in as they are.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top for a lovely crunchy finish.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the aroma fill your kitchen; it’s going to smell heavenly!
- Once done, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into generous pieces and enjoy with a cup of tea or as a delightful breakfast.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly. There’s no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the batter.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! If using whole wheat flour, consider using a mix of 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour. This helps maintain a good texture.
3. What can I do if my bread is too dense?
Dense bread can result from overmixing or not enough leavening agents. Ensure you only mix until combined and double-check your baking powder’s freshness.
4. How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a plant-based yogurt and perhaps a different oil if needed.
5. Can I add nuts or seeds?
Certainly! Add roughly 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutrition. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you add a lot; it may need a little longer.
Conclusion
Baking one bowl lemon blueberry quick bread is a simple yet rewarding experience. The combination of tart lemons and sweet blueberries creates a loaf that sings of summertime moments. Whether served warm with butter or enjoyed plain, it’s always a hit.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I can’t help but be excited about recipes like this. They bridge the gap between healthy eating and pure enjoyment. With so many options for customization, it’s clear that this isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience waiting to be shared.
So, grab those ingredients and make your kitchen come alive with the fragrant power of freshly baked bread. I promise, each bite will make all the time and effort so worthwhile. Happy baking!
