Blueberry Bread Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Treat
Baking bread can seem daunting, but this blueberry bread recipe is surprisingly simple and yields incredibly delicious results. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent, giving your bread its rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: The star of the show! If using frozen, no need to thaw.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked blueberry bread:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures easy removal of your delicious bread.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease!
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Alternate Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to crush them!
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your warm, delicious blueberry bread!
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor: Frozen blueberries work fine, too, but fresh ones offer a superior taste.
- Check for doneness: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is baked through.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing: This allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Serving Suggestions:
This blueberry bread is fantastic on its own, but you can also elevate it with:
- A pat of butter: Enhances the richness and flavor.
- A dollop of whipped cream: Adds a touch of sweetness and decadence.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The perfect warm-bread-and-ice-cream combination.
Enjoy your homemade blueberry bread! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
