Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread
Highlighted under: Home Baking Ideas
I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread when I want a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors, making it irresistible. Using yogurt not only adds moisture but also gives the bread a lovely tender crumb. It’s fantastic for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert, and the bright colors of the blueberries make it visually appealing for any occasion. I can't wait for you to try it!
Baking this bread has always been a comforting activity for me. I remember the first time I decided to experiment with yogurt in a quick bread recipe; the results were nothing short of magical! The bread turned out super moist and flavorful, thanks to the yogurt and fresh blueberries.
I also discovered that adding lemon zest elevates the flavor profile beautifully. It not only adds brightness but also helps balance the sweetness of the blueberries. If you’re ever uncertain about using fresh fruit in bread, just remember to coat them in flour before mixing to prevent them from sinking!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor brightens up the sweet blueberries
- Moist and tender texture thanks to the yogurt
- Great for breakfast or as a light dessert
Understanding the Role of Yogurt
The Greek yogurt in this Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread is a key ingredient that contributes to its moisture and tender crumb. Yogurt not only keeps the bread delightful and soft but also adds a slight tang that complements the sweet blueberries and zesty lemon, enhancing overall flavor. If you can't find Greek yogurt, regular yogurt can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture, making it less dense.
When incorporating yogurt, ensure it’s at room temperature. Cold yogurt can cause the batter to seize, leading to an uneven texture. I usually take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to ensure optimal integration with the other ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Blueberries
For the best results, it's essential to coat the blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them; instead, toss them directly in a little flour. This helps maintain their shape and ensures the bread is studded with beautiful berries throughout.
Additionally, check your blueberries for freshness. Overripe or mushy berries can break down in the batter, resulting in an unappealing texture. Ideally, choose firm, plump berries that are free from blemishes or mold, as they will provide the best burst of flavor.
Baking and Storing Your Bread
Properly baking the bread is crucial for achieving that perfect golden top and moist interior. Once you pour the batter into the loaf pan, bake for 50 minutes, but always check for doneness a few minutes early. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs; if it’s wet, the bread needs additional time. Oven temperatures can vary, so monitor it closely as it approaches the 50-minute mark.
After baking, allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This helps it set properly, making it easier to remove without breaking. To store, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep well at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice it and freeze the individual pieces, which can be easily reheated in a toaster or microwave.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (coated in flour)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Blueberries
Fold in the floured blueberries gently, being careful not to break them.
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until you achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For breakfast, serve it warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese. The acidity from the lemon and the sweetness of the blueberries pair beautifully with a spread of lemon curd for an extra indulgent treat.
For an afternoon snack, slice the bread and pair it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. You can even toast the slices lightly, adding a bit more texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a light dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey on top can elevate the experience.
Variations and Add-Ins
Feel free to customize the bread by adding other mix-ins. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. If you're looking for an alternative fruit, raspberries or blackberries can work wonderfully, keeping the flavor profile refreshing.
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. This not only decreases the refined sugar content but also adds an additional layer of flavor. Just be mindful that using liquid sweeteners may affect the bread's moisture level, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them with a bit of flour to prevent them from clumping together.
→ Can I substitute the yogurt?
You can use sour cream or any dairy-free yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for a delightful crunch.
Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread
I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread when I want a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors, making it irresistible. Using yogurt not only adds moisture but also gives the bread a lovely tender crumb. It’s fantastic for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert, and the bright colors of the blueberries make it visually appealing for any occasion. I can't wait for you to try it!
Created by: Sophie Adams
Recipe Type: Home Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (coated in flour)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the floured blueberries gently, being careful not to break them.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until you achieve your desired consistency.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g