If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness, citrusy brightness, and bursts of juicy berries, this Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This bread is an absolute joy to bake and even more delicious to enjoy, combining the fresh zing of orange zest and juice with the tender pop of fresh blueberries. Each bite delivers a moist crumb with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a fantastic companion for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a charming dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role: flour forms a tender crumb, baking powder and soda give a perfect rise, while orange zest and juice infuse vibrant citrus notes. Fresh blueberries bring juicy bursts of flavor and a lovely splash of color, making the bread as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation to give your bread structure and softness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become wonderfully light.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the orange juice’s acidity for a perfect rise.
- 3 tablespoons orange zest: Bursts of fresh citrus flavor that brighten every bite.
- â…“ cup water: Adds moisture to keep the bread tender.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces): Adds richness and depth to the texture and flavor.
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten): Binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- ½ cup orange juice: Infuses moisture and enhances the citrusy brightness.
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the sweet, glossy glaze that finishes the bread beautifully.
- 3½ tablespoons fresh orange juice: Mixed into the glaze for that citrusy shine and tang.
How to Make Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the bright orange zest. This blends the leavening agents evenly and incorporates that citrus fragrance right from the start, creating the perfect base for your bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and small pieces of butter until just combined. The orange juice not only adds moisture but also reacts with the baking soda to give your bread that lovely lift and tenderness. Don’t worry about melting all the butter; little pockets will add delicious richness as they bake.
Step 3: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined – a few lumps are okay here. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so handle it gently. Finally, gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without crushing them. These juicy bursts will be the delightful surprises in each slice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden and fragrant, filling your kitchen with an irresistible citrus-berry aroma.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth to create a tangy glaze. Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. This glaze adds a shiny, sweet-tart finish that perfectly complements the fruity bread beneath.
How to Serve Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe with a few sprigs of fresh mint or thin orange slices on the side. These simple touches make your presentation pop and echo the fresh flavors inside the bread, perfect for sharing with friends or brightening any table.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making breakfast or afternoon tea feel extra special. For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of mascarpone to complement the citrusy, fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thickly and toasting it lightly before serving, then spreading with a thin layer of honey butter or cream cheese for a luxurious breakfast treat. Or, cube it up and use as a base for a fancy fruit bread pudding, offering a delightful new take on your Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days. This helps retain moisture and flavor so you can enjoy every slice just as much as the first.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread before freezing and separate slices with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer, letting you enjoy a slice of sunny citrus goodness anytime you like.
Reheating
Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about an hour. Reheat briefly in a toaster or oven at low heat until warm and fragrant — this brings back that fresh-baked feel, perfect for a cozy moment.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well; just be sure to toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking and to maintain that lovely color throughout the bread.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to carefully remove just the outermost layer of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This zest is packed with flavorful oils that make your bread wonderfully aromatic.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Since gluten affects texture, the bread might be a bit denser but will still be delicious!
Can this bread be made dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine alternative. The bread’s moistness and flavor remain delightful with these substitutions.
How long does the glaze last if stored separately?
The orange glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a quick stir before using, and drizzle over your Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe for that fresh burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe is one of those special finds that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and beautifully versatile, it’s perfect to keep on hand whenever you crave something both comforting and refreshing. I can’t wait for you to bake it and share it with those you love – it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!
Print
Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Orange Bread combines the bright, zesty flavors of orange with the sweet burst of fresh blueberries, creating a moist and tender quick bread perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack. The bread is topped with a smooth orange glaze that enhances its citrusy aroma and adds a lovely sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons orange zest
- â…“ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
Main Add-ins
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3½ tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the orange zest, water, unsalted butter, lightly beaten egg, granulated sugar, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and the butter is partially incorporated.
- Combine and Fold in Blueberries: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Fold in the fresh blueberries carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking them.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly and set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may cause the batter to become slightly more watery.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, increase the orange zest to 4 tablespoons.
