Zesty Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe for Sunshine

Unleash the magic of lemon blueberry bread, a symphony of flavors that turns ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Zesty citrus and sweet berries dance together, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

Soft, tender crumbs infused with bright lemon essence invite you to savor every single bite.

Plump blueberries nestle throughout the loaf, bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color.

This simple yet elegant recipe transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopping treat that wows family and friends.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and indulgence, promising a delightful escape from the mundane.

Get ready to fall in love with a bread that’s equal parts rustic charm and gourmet sophistication!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten’s Lemon Blueberry Bread Ingredients

• Butter: Choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Eggs: Select fresh, room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richer texture and depth.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed yields brighter, more vibrant taste.
• Lemon Zest: Use organic lemons to avoid wax coating.

• All-Purpose Flour: Sift to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Baking Powder: Check expiration date for maximum rising potential.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.

• White Sugar: Opt for granulated sugar with fine crystals.
• Blueberries: Select plump, firm berries without soft spots.
• Walnuts: Choose fresh, crisp nuts without bitter undertones.

Bakeware and Bowls for Ina’s Sweet Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Sturdy ceramic or glass bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe results.
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch): Standard size for creating beautiful bread shape.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation to prevent soggy bottom on baked bread.
• Toothpick: Quick way to check bread doneness by testing center.
• Small bowl: For preparing lemon glaze with easy mixing.
• Spatula: Helps fold blueberries and nuts gently into batter.
• Grater: Perfect for creating fresh lemon zest.
• Oven: Needed for baking bread at consistent temperature.

How to Make This Soft Blueberry Loaf

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Get your oven toasty at 350°F and grab a loaf pan, giving it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Create A Silky Smooth Base

Whip together softened butter and sugar until they dance into a creamy partnership, creating a luxurious foundation for your zesty treat.

• Bring Moisture And Brightness

Crack eggs into the mixture one by one, then splash in fresh lemon juice to awaken the batter with tangy energy.

• Craft Your Dry Blend

Sift flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together, creating a light and airy dry mixture that will give your bread perfect texture.

• Marry Wet And Dry Elements

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk, creating a harmonious batter that promises deliciousness.

• Add Flavor Boosters

Tenderly mix in burst-in-your-mouth blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and bright lemon zest to elevate your bread from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour your vibrant batter into the prepared pan and let the oven work its magic for about an hour, watching for a golden exterior and firm center.

• Cool And Release

Allow your bread to rest in the pan briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack, letting it breathe and settle into its final form.

• Finish With Zesty Glaze

Whisk lemon juice and sugar into a glossy drizzle, cascading this bright topping over your cooled masterpiece for a final flavor explosion.

Tips for Moist Texture and Tartness

Replace walnuts with almonds, pecans, or skip nuts entirely for a softer texture. Each nut brings a unique crunch and flavor profile to the bread.

Toss blueberries in flour before adding to prevent sinking. Try frozen blueberries for intense bursts of flavor, or mix in raspberries for a colorful twist.

Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Use Greek yogurt instead of milk to increase protein content and create a richer, more tender crumb.

Experiment with orange or lime juice in the glaze for different citrus notes. Add a pinch of lavender or thyme to the glaze for an unexpected gourmet touch that elevates the entire bread.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Breakfast Bliss: Slice this zesty blueberry bread and pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Twist: Serve warm slices with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sophisticated after-dinner indulgence.
• Tea Time Companion: Cut into thin slices and arrange on a beautiful platter for afternoon tea, complementing light conversation and relaxation.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a portable and delicious outdoor meal companion that travels well.

Storage Tricks for Lasting Freshness

• Maximize Freshness: Store blueberry bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping its soft texture and delicious flavor intact.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Extend bread's life by storing in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delectable taste.
• Freeze for Later: Slice bread before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen blueberry bread stays fresh for 2-3 months, ready to enjoy anytime.
• Revive Perfectly: Restore slightly stale bread by warming in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. A quick toast brings back its original moistness and brings out the rich blueberry and lemon flavors.

Divine Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon blueberry bread emerges as a delightful quick bread balancing tangy citrus with sweet berries. Moist crumb and zesty glaze make this recipe a crowd-pleasing companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 5 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mixing Base: Cream white sugar and melted butter until smooth, then add eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate lemon juice until mixture is uniform.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into wet ingredients alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
4. Final Batter Composition: Delicately fold blueberries, walnuts, and lemon zest into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 60-65 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
6. Cooling and Glazing: Rest bread in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk lemon juice and sugar to create a glaze, drizzling over cooled bread and allowing it to set before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Berry Bleeding: Lightly dust blueberries with flour before folding into batter to prevent color bleeding and ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Master Gentle Mixing: Mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, soft crumb – overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread texture.
• Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to confirm precise temperature, as slight variations can significantly impact baking time and bread quality.
• Storage Pro Tip: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum moisture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg