Posted by Welcome to the world of sweet, zesty indulgence with this gluten-free lemon blueberry bread. Perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or even as a dessert, this moist bread delivers the right balance of citrus freshness and fruity sweetness. Made without dairy, it’s ideal for those following dairy-free diets or anyone who enjoys a more inclusive treat. To take it to the next level, we top it off with a smooth lemon glaze for that irresistible touch of tang. Read on for an in-depth guide to crafting this delectable gluten-free lemon blueberry loaf from scratch, complete with expert tips and variations to customize the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you think of gluten-free baked goods, you might imagine them being dry or lacking flavor. Not this recipe! This gluten-free lemon blueberry bread is exceptionally moist, thanks to a unique combination of dairy-free yogurt and melted dairy-free butter. The fresh blueberries add a burst of color and juicy sweetness to each bite, making it a perfect complement to your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea. Not only is this bread dairy-free, but it’s also a delightfully light and refreshing treat, thanks to the zesty lemon flavor.
The glaze adds that final touch of sweetness with a slight tang that makes every slice feel like a special indulgence.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s explore the key ingredients. These ingredients are all essential to ensuring the best texture and flavor for this bread.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this recipe, ensuring the loaf remains light without any gluten. You can swap this for any gluten-free flour blend you prefer.
- Xanthan Gum: This helps provide structure to gluten-free baked goods, preventing them from falling apart. If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can replace it with guar gum.
- Baking Powder: It ensures that your loaf rises and becomes fluffy without yeast.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the loaf’s texture. You can replace it with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar if you prefer.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: The lemon zest gives the bread its bold citrus flavor. Always use fresh zest for a vibrant lemony punch.
- Dairy-Free Yogurt: Provides moisture and contributes to the soft crumb. Opt for plain coconut or almond yogurt for the best results.
- Dairy-Free Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor without the dairy. You can use olive oil as a substitute, but the butter gives it a nice golden crust.
- Fresh Blueberries: Blueberries burst with juice when baked, creating pockets of flavor in every slice. Ensure they are fresh for the best texture. You can substitute them with raspberries or blackberries if you prefer.
Baking Tips and FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! If fresh blueberries are out of season or unavailable, frozen blueberries will work fine. Just toss them in a bit of gluten-free flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
What is the best way to store gluten-free lemon blueberry bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the two eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes to thicken). This substitution works beautifully in this recipe, though it may slightly alter the texture.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is ready when it is golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
Can I make the lemon glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat it slightly before drizzling over the cooled bread.
Baking Instructions: Step-by-Step Process
Now that we’ve covered the key points, it’s time to start baking! Follow these instructions carefully for a beautifully baked loaf.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the bread from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place your oven rack in the middle of the oven so that the bread cooks evenly.
Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers. This simple step helps release the essential oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with a lovely lemon aroma.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs to the bowl and whisk them until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Next, add the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well-combined.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and xanthan gum into the bowl. Use a whisk to mix everything until the batter is smooth and there are no visible lumps.
Step 5: Add the Melted Butter
Fold in the melted dairy-free butter using a spatula. This will help give the bread a nice shine and contribute to its soft, moist texture.
Step 6: Gently Fold in Blueberries
Carefully fold in ¾ cup of fresh blueberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Take your time with this step to avoid smashing the berries.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of blueberries on top for extra color and flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check the bread at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, continue baking and check again after 5 minutes.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Once your bread is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together melted dairy-free butter, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and glossy.
Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze and Enjoy!
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into the delicious bread. Serve with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat for any occasion!
Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bread
This gluten-free lemon blueberry bread is a moist, flavorful, and dairy-free delight that can be enjoyed for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any time of the day!
- Yield: 12 servings
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Caloric Content: 231 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain dairy-free yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted dairy-free butter
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, divided
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix sugar and lemon zest in a bowl, then add eggs and whisk until frothy.
- Stir in dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Sift and mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in melted butter and blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then prepare the glaze by whisking melted butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
Amount per serving:
- Calories: 231
- Total Fat: 6.4g (10% DV)
- Cholesterol: 32.5mg (11% DV)
- Sodium: 99.9mg (5% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 40.1g (14% DV)
- Sugars: 23.4g
- Protein: 3.2g (7% DV)
- Vitamin A: 93.1%
- Vitamin C: 2.8%
