Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you are craving a delightful treat that bursts with fresh flavors and a touch of zest, this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a soft, moist bread infused with fragrant vanilla and studded with juicy blueberries, all topped with a tangy lemon glaze that perfectly balances sweetness with brightness. This recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that transforms your kitchen into a haven of warm, fruity deliciousness. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lovely dessert, this bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and appearance. These familiar staples come together to create a bread that is light, fluffy, and bursting with natural sweetness and citrusy brightness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and reacts well with the sour cream for a soft texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of all other ingredients.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture to the bread’s crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the blueberries.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warm, fragrant notes.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tanginess for a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances the density and helps mix everything smoothly.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries: The star ingredient, offering bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries): Prevents blueberries from sinking to the bottom while baking.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For creating a smooth, sweet lemon glaze.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the glaze with fresh citrus tang.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Adds an extra layer of lemon flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour. Alternatively, lining it with parchment paper helps the bread release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed so the bread rises uniformly and tastes perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Toss the Blueberries

Place your fresh blueberries in a small bowl and gently coat them with a tablespoon of flour. This simple trick stops the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, keeping their bright flavor throughout the bread.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making for a softer, more tender bread.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Then stir in the aromatic vanilla extract, which enriches the taste with its warm sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 7: Fold in the Blueberries

Carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a spatula. Take your time to avoid crushing the berries, which could turn the batter purple and dense.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter evenly into your loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you notice the bread browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil and continue baking.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting time helps the bread to set and makes glazing easier.

Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon juice if needed—aim for a pourable glaze.

Step 11: Glaze the Bread

Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it cascade naturally for a beautiful finish. Give it a few minutes to set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe look even more inviting, sprinkle some fresh blueberries or a bit of lemon zest on top of the glaze. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. A smear of lightly whipped cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut this bread into thick slices and serve it open-faced with spreads like honey butter, lemon curd, or a smear of mascarpone. For a brunch twist, lightly toast slices and top with ricotta and a drizzle of honey or extra blueberries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delicious bread at a later time, slice it first, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the lovely texture and flavor, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the glaze intact and the bread moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Just remember to toss them in flour while still frozen and do not thaw them before folding into the batter. This prevents the batter from turning purple and keeps the blueberries from sinking.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute something else?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. It provides the same tangy moisture that helps keep the bread tender and rich.

How important is the lemon glaze?

The lemon glaze is what makes this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe truly special by adding a bright, zesty finish that balances the sweetness of the bread and highlights the blueberries beautifully. It’s definitely worth including!

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

You can swap the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy yogurt and milk alternative. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent blueberries from sinking?

Tossing blueberries with a bit of flour before folding them into the batter creates a light coating that helps suspend them throughout the bread instead of sinking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is a wonderful way to bring bright, fresh flavors into your kitchen with ease. This bread is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting warmth of vanilla and the juicy pop of blueberries with a refreshing lemony finish. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite worthy of making again and again.

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