Delightful Blueberry Orange Quick Bread: A Classic Recipe with Zesty Glaze
Experience the irresistible charm of this decades-old Blueberry Orange Bread recipe, a truly tried-and-true classic. Infused with the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh orange juice and zest, and studded with juicy fresh or frozen blueberries, this quick bread is then finished with a delectable honey-orange glaze while still warm. It’s a remarkably easy-to-make, flavorful loaf that you’ll want to bake again and again!
Happy New Year! As the calendar flips to a fresh start, I often find myself contemplating the perfect inaugural post. Should it be savory, something to nourish and comfort? Or sweet, a delightful indulgence? With many people jumping on the healthy eating bandwagon this time of year, perhaps a crisp salad or a refreshing smoothie would be more fitting? All these thoughts, however, promptly flew out the window the moment I savored a slice of this magnificent Blueberry Orange Bread.
It was then I knew that beginning the year with an exceptional quick bread recipe was exactly the right choice. Easing into a new year and a new decade shouldn’t feel like a monumental task. While phrases like “new year, new me” and calls for complete transformation are everywhere, such drastic changes can feel incredibly daunting. Of course, there are aspects of myself I’d love to improve – who doesn’t? But the key, I believe, lies in taking achievable baby steps.
Expecting yourself to become instantly thinner, healthier, more successful, richer, an avid reader, a world traveler, better at setting boundaries, or a personal doormat no longer – all at once – is often a recipe for frustration and failure. Instead, let’s focus on setting realistic, obtainable goals. Small, consistent steps will lead to sustainable progress.
As the popular saying goes, “Life is short, eat the cake!” (Or in this delightful case, the bread!) It’s worth noting that some cakes are indeed often referred to as “quick breads.” This category also includes a variety of baked goods like soda breads, muffins, brownies, and even scones. Quick breads are celebrated for their ease and speed of preparation, making them perfect for busy bakers.
Understanding Quick Bread: The Science Behind its Simplicity
The primary element distinguishing a quick bread from a traditional yeast bread is the leavening agent. As its name implies, yeast bread relies on yeast, a living microorganism. When provided with optimal moisture and warmth, yeast rapidly multiplies, producing carbon dioxide that causes the dough to rise and develop its characteristic airy texture and flavor over time.
In contrast, quick breads forgo yeast entirely, utilizing chemical leavening agents such as baking soda and baking powder. These agents react with other ingredients in the batter to produce carbon dioxide, allowing the bread to rise quickly without the need for fermentation or extended proofing periods. This means quick breads can be mixed, shaped, and baked in a significantly shorter timeframe.
Salt is another common and crucial ingredient in most quick bread recipes. Beyond simply enhancing flavor, salt plays a vital role in activating the chemical leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder. Without the proper amount of salt, these agents may not react effectively, resulting in a bread that doesn’t rise as much, or in some cases, barely at all, leading to a dense and unappealing final product. Therefore, don’t skip the salt in your quick bread recipes!
Essential Ingredients for Your Blueberry Orange Quick Bread:
Crafting this delightful quick bread requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: These are the stars for that bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence. Zest provides concentrated oil, while juice adds moisture and tang.
- Blueberries (Fresh or Frozen): Whether you pick them fresh in season or grab a bag from the freezer, blueberries offer bursts of sweet and tart flavor throughout the bread.
- Honey: Not only sweetens the bread itself, but it’s also a key component of the luscious glaze, adding a natural richness.
- Butter & Egg: Butter contributes tenderness and flavor, while the egg helps bind the ingredients, adds richness, and aids in leavening.
- All-Purpose Flour & Granulated Sugar: The structural backbone of the bread and its primary sweetener.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our trusty chemical leavening agents that ensure a beautiful rise and a light texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and activating the leavening agents for optimal rise.
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete printable recipe card located at the bottom of this article.
This blueberry orange loaf is an excellent way to make the most of an entire orange, utilizing both its refreshing juice and its fragrant zest before they go to waste. You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen blueberries. I personally always keep a supply of frozen blueberries on hand, as they’re a staple in my daily smoothies. This convenience makes it easy to whip up this bread whenever a craving strikes!
While the batter for this bread comes together remarkably fast, it does require a minimum of an hour in the oven to bake through completely. Be warned: the aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is absolutely incredible – prepare for mouths to water!
Begin by melting butter into boiling water in a spacious mixing bowl. Once combined, whisk in the fresh orange juice and zest. For this recipe, I found that using two large oranges yielded more than enough juice and zest to infuse the bread with a rich, authentic citrus flavor.
Next, add the sugar and egg to your wet mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture appears light and fluffy. Then, gently fold in all the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so stop as soon as everything is combined.
Now for the blueberries! Fold them into the batter very gently. The goal is to distribute them evenly without crushing them, which can make them mushy and cause the entire batter to turn an unappetizing bluish color. A light touch ensures beautiful, distinct blueberries in every slice.
The original recipe suggests baking for one hour. However, based on my experience, this loaf typically requires about an hour and fifteen minutes to bake perfectly, achieving a beautifully golden-brown crust and ensuring it’s cooked through in the center. To check for doneness, simply insert a toothpick into the middle of the loaf after one hour. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until the toothpick test yields clean results.
To create an exquisite finish, whisk together additional orange juice, a teaspoon of fresh orange zest, and honey. This simple yet profound honey-orange glaze is then spooned generously over the bread while it’s still hot from the oven. The warmth of the bread allows the glaze to soak in beautifully, infusing every crumb with an extra layer of citrusy sweetness. This final touch truly elevates the flavor profile, making it utterly delicious and irresistible!
^Loving this recipe? PIN IT now!^
If you’re excited to try this delightful Blueberry Orange Bread, don’t forget to save this recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board today. This way, it will be easy to find whenever you’re ready to bake a batch of this zesty, sweet quick bread!
Explore More of Our Favorite Quick Bread Recipes:
My site is a treasure trove of delicious quick bread creations, offering a wide array of choices for every taste. Here are some of my personal favorites that I highly recommend you try:
- The Very BEST Banana Bread: A quintessential classic, perfected for ultimate moistness and flavor.
- Lime in the Coconut Bread: A tropical escape in every bite, bursting with zesty lime and creamy coconut.
- Pear Bread: A subtly sweet and incredibly tender bread, perfect for showcasing seasonal pears.
- Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: A wholesome and comforting option, packed with fruit and fiber.
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread: A timeless family recipe that’s moist, spiced, and utterly delicious.
- Chocolate Orange Banana Bread: A decadent fusion of flavors, combining rich chocolate with bright orange and sweet banana.
There’s a unique comfort and joy that comes from the aroma of homemade bread baking in the oven, isn’t there? I find the entire process incredibly therapeutic. When I’m feeling stressed or upset, the act of mixing ingredients and creating something delicious seems to provide a much-needed sense of calm and helps me unwind. Then, getting to enjoy that wonderful scent filling the air as it bakes, and of course, savoring a warm slice, is truly an unparalleled delight.
As you enjoy the soothing process of baking and indulge in a slice of this wonderful bread, take a moment to reflect. Use this peaceful time to set some achievable goals for yourself for 2024 and beyond. Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to significant accomplishments.
So, who’s ready to kick off the new year (or brighten any day) with this incredibly delicious Blueberry Orange Bread? Let’s not waste another moment then! Happy baking! 
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Print Recipe
Blueberry Orange Bread
Equipment
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Loaf Pans
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Citrus Zester
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup orange juice I used freshly squeezed + 2 Tablespoons, divided
- 4 teaspoons orange zest divided
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- 2 Tablespoons honey
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Lightly spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, or grease and flour it.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the boiling water. Stir well. Add 1/2 cup of orange juice and 3 teaspoons of orange zest.
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Incorporate the egg into the mixture, whisking until it is fully beaten and smooth. Then, add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
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Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
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Gently fold in the fresh or thawed frozen blueberries. Mix minimally to avoid crushing the berries and coloring the batter too much.
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Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased loaf pan.
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Bake for approximately one hour. (Please refer to the notes below regarding bake time.) The bread is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the bread is still hot from the oven, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine 2 Tablespoons of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, and 2 Tablespoons of honey. Stir until well mixed, then spoon generously over the warm bread.
Notes
The original recipe indicates a one-hour bake time. However, I consistently find that my loaf takes closer to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake thoroughly. Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the loaf pan used. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.