If you’re a fan of homemade bread and fresh, fruity flavors, then this blueberry bread recipe with frozen blueberries is the perfect treat for you. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a comforting dessert, blueberry bread checks all the boxes. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making this delicious bread from scratch, using frozen blueberries, and provide helpful tips for getting the perfect loaf every time.
Why Use Frozen Blueberries?
You may wonder if using frozen blueberries affects the quality of the bread. The answer is simple: No! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in baked goods like blueberry bread. In fact, they offer several advantages over fresh berries:
- Year-round availability: Frozen blueberries are available all year long, so you can enjoy blueberry bread even when fresh berries are out of season.
- Cost-effective: Frozen blueberries are often less expensive than fresh berries, especially when they are out of season.
- Convenience: Frozen berries are pre-washed, and you don’t have to worry about finding fresh ones at the store.
- Better for baking: Frozen blueberries tend to hold up better in batter, as they won’t burst as quickly as fresh ones, making them less likely to cause streaking or turning the batter purple.
Now that we’ve established the benefits, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for this blueberry bread recipe with frozen blueberries.
Ingredients for Blueberry Bread with Frozen Blueberries
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious loaf of blueberry bread with frozen blueberries. This recipe yields a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for any time of the day.
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberries:
- 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
(Note: Do not thaw the blueberries. Add them directly from the freezer.)
Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for a crunchy, sweet topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making blueberry bread with frozen blueberries is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan (approximately 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches) to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This will ensure that the baking powder and salt are distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- To the dry ingredients, add 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- The batter should be a little lumpy, and that’s okay!
Step 4: Add the Frozen Blueberries
- Take 1 1/2 cups of frozen blueberries and coat them lightly with a bit of flour (about 1 teaspoon). This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the batter with a spatula, being careful not to break them up or streak the batter too much.
Step 5: Transfer the Batter to the Loaf Pan
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish (optional).
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Monitor the bread while it bakes to ensure it cooks evenly. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, slice and serve. Enjoy it as is, or with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving for this blueberry bread recipe with frozen blueberries. This will help you keep track of what you’re enjoying!
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 168 |
Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Protein | 3g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 21mg |
Sodium | 161mg |
Potassium | 200mg |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 17g |
Vitamin A | 70IU |
Vitamin C | 2.7mg |
Calcium | 80mg |
Iron | 1.4mg |
Reviews and Community Praise
This blueberry bread recipe has received rave reviews from home bakers who have tested it. Here’s what some of them have to say:
- “Best blueberry bread recipe ever! The frozen blueberries worked perfectly, and the bread stayed moist for days. My whole family loved it!” – Meg
- “I love how simple and quick this recipe is. I always have frozen blueberries in the freezer, so this is a perfect treat to whip up anytime.” – Sarah J.
- “The bread was so fluffy and had the perfect balance of sweetness. I added a little lemon zest for extra flavor. Will make again!” – Emily R.
Tips and Praise
Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your blueberry bread turns out perfectly:
- Don’t thaw the blueberries: For the best results, add the frozen blueberries directly to the batter. This helps keep them intact and prevents streaking in the bread.
- Measure your flour correctly: Avoid packing the flour into your measuring cup. Instead, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife for accurate measurements.
- Mix gently: When folding in the blueberries, be gentle. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough bread.
- Try adding a bit of lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Yes! You can absolutely use fresh blueberries in this recipe. However, they may sink to the bottom more easily, so coat them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to help keep them evenly distributed.
Can I freeze blueberry bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To defrost, simply let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Can I add other fruits to the bread?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even chunks of strawberries. Just be mindful of how the extra moisture may affect the texture of the bread.
Conclusion
This blueberry bread recipe with frozen blueberries is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, moist, and fruity baked goods. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and use of frozen blueberries, it’s the perfect recipe to whip up any time of year. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast or a sweet dessert, this bread is sure to satisfy.