Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Ina Garten’s Lemon Blueberry Bread is a fresh, moist, and flavorful treat that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. This delicious quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The combination of lemon zest and juice creates a bright and zesty flavor, while the juicy blueberries add bursts of sweetness to every bite. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, this bread is a delightful addition to any table.

What is Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Ina Garten’s Lemon Blueberry Bread is a moist and tender quick bread made with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and blueberries. It’s baked until golden brown and topped with a tangy lemon glaze that seeps into the loaf, adding even more flavor. This bread is easy to make and can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Quiche Lorraine
• Ina Garten White Cake
• Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Refreshing and Sweet: The tart lemon and sweet blueberries make for a balanced, refreshing flavor.
• Simple to Make: This quick bread recipe is easy to follow and can be made with basic ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this lemon blueberry bread is versatile and always a hit.
• Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the addition of yogurt or sour cream, the bread stays wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease the pan: Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Add lemon zest and juice: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Add the yogurt: Gradually add the Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Combine the ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a light texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Blueberries

• Toss the blueberries in flour: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

Step 7: Fold in the Blueberries

• Gently fold the blueberries: Using a spatula, gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.

Step 8: Bake the Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Transfer to the loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Bake: Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Lemon Glaze

• Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
• Drizzle the glaze: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

• Slice and enjoy: Once the glaze has set, slice the bread and serve. Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or as a sweet snack.

What Goes Well with Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Fresh Berries: Serve with additional fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a light and refreshing side.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes this bread even more indulgent.
• Coffee or Tea: This bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
• Lemon Curd: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, serve with a spoonful of lemon curd on the side.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Coat the blueberries: Tossing the blueberries in flour helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
• Use fresh lemon juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check doneness: Since ovens vary, check the bread after 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Variations of Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Mixed Berry Bread: Add raspberries or blackberries to the batter for a mixed berry variation.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon poppy seed twist.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bread gluten-free.
• Citrus Twist: Substitute half of the lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a citrus variation.

Storing Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread: Best Practices

• Store at room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage: If you want the bread to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for later: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread: Best Practices

• Room temperature serving: This bread is best served at room temperature.
• Microwave option: If you prefer it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread Healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following adjustments:

• Use whole wheat flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce sugar: You can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup without sacrificing much sweetness.
• Greek yogurt alternative: Use non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content while keeping the bread moist.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

FAQs

How do I prevent blueberries from sinking in lemon blueberry bread?

Toss the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the bread and prevents them from sinking to the bottom while baking.

Can I use frozen blueberries in lemon blueberry bread?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture. Toss them in a little flour to help them stay evenly distributed in the bread.

How do I make lemon blueberry bread more moist?

Using Greek yogurt or sour cream in the batter helps keep the bread moist. Additionally, avoid overbaking, as this can cause the bread to dry out. Check for doneness with a toothpick after 50 minutes of baking.

How long does lemon blueberry bread stay fresh?

Lemon blueberry bread stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful and versatile recipe that balances tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in every bite.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch, breakfast, or a sweet snack, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

Other Yummy Recipes:

• Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole
• Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna
• Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna
• Ina Garten Crab Cakes
• Ina Garten Cottage Pie
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars

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