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Timeless Delight: The Best Blueberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

Decades old, this recipe for Blueberry Orange Bread is a truly tried-and-true classic. Infused with vibrant fresh orange juice and zest, bursting with plump fresh or frozen blueberries, and finished with a delectable honey and orange glaze while still warm from the oven, this quick bread recipe is an absolute keeper that promises to impress every time.

As the new year begins, many of us contemplate fresh starts and healthier habits. But sometimes, the best way to embrace new beginnings is by savoring familiar comforts. This Blueberry Orange Bread is precisely that – a comforting, delightful treat that reminds us of the simple joys in life. Instead of daunting resolutions, let’s focus on attainable moments of happiness, like enjoying a slice of warm, homemade bread.

Starting the year, or any day, with a perfectly baked quick bread feels just right. The idea of a complete “new me” transformation can be overwhelming. Instead, why not take small, enjoyable steps? Baking this bread is a therapeutic process, a chance to create something wonderful with your hands and fill your home with an irresistible aroma. It’s a sweet, gentle way to ease into new routines and set achievable goals, one delicious bite at a time.

They say, “life is short, eat the cake!” In this case, “eat the bread” is a motto we can certainly live by, especially when it comes to this exquisite Blueberry Orange Quick Bread. While not a traditional yeast bread, quick breads share the same comforting appeal as many cakes, muffins, and scones. They offer instant gratification, delivering freshly baked goodness without the long proofing times.

Understanding Quick Bread: The Science of No-Yeast Baking

What exactly sets quick bread apart from its yeast-leavened counterparts? The fundamental difference lies in the leavening agent. Yeast breads rely on active yeast, a living microorganism that, when provided with warmth and moisture, ferments sugars and produces carbon dioxide. This gas creates bubbles in the dough, causing it to rise slowly and develop a complex flavor profile over time.

Quick breads, on the other hand, bypass yeast entirely. They utilize chemical leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder to achieve their rise. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with an acidic ingredient (like orange juice, buttermilk, or yogurt) to produce carbon dioxide. Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, an acid, and a starch. It often contains both fast-acting and slow-acting acids, meaning it can create gas upon mixing with liquid and again when heated in the oven. This allows quick breads to be mixed and baked almost immediately, eliminating the need for lengthy proofing periods.

You’ll also consistently find salt listed as a key ingredient in most quick bread recipes. Salt doesn’t just enhance flavor; it plays a crucial role in activating these chemical leavening agents. Without adequate salt, the chemical reactions that produce carbon dioxide gas may be inhibited, resulting in a bread that doesn’t rise properly, leading to a dense or flat loaf. It’s this clever combination of ingredients that gives quick breads their characteristic light, tender texture and allows for such rapid preparation.

Key Ingredients for Your Blueberry Orange Quick Bread:

This delightful Blueberry Orange Bread relies on a few simple, wholesome ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. Understanding the role of each component can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time:

Orange Juice & Orange Zest: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed orange juice provides moisture and a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. Orange zest, rich in aromatic oils, delivers an intense, concentrated citrus flavor that permeates the entire loaf. Using both ensures a deep, authentic orange essence.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: These little gems burst with flavor and add a beautiful visual appeal. While fresh blueberries are fantastic when in season, frozen blueberries work equally well and are often more convenient. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; simply toss them directly into the batter to help them maintain their shape and prevent the batter from turning completely blue.
Honey: Beyond just sweetness, honey adds a unique depth of flavor and helps create that irresistible golden-brown crust. It’s also a key component of the luscious glaze.
Butter & Egg: Butter contributes richness and tenderness to the bread, while the egg acts as a binder, adding structure and moisture, ensuring a light yet cohesive crumb.
Flour & Sugar: All-purpose flour provides the structural foundation, and granulated sugar sweetens the bread and aids in browning.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda, Salt: As discussed, these are the leavening agents that give the bread its rise, while salt balances the flavors and activates the leavening.

The complete, detailed recipe card with precise measurements can be found at the bottom of this post, ready for you to print and keep.

This homemade blueberry orange loaf is not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic way to utilize oranges. Whether you have some orange juice nearing its expiration date or a whole orange waiting to be transformed, this recipe makes the most of every drop of juice and every bit of aromatic zest. I personally always keep a stash of frozen blueberries on hand, perfect for smoothies or for baking spontaneous batches of this wonderful bread. For this recipe, I used frozen blueberries, and they performed beautifully.

While this bread comes together remarkably quickly in terms of preparation, it does require about an hour or more in the oven. But trust me, the wait is worth it! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is utterly intoxicating, a promise of the deliciousness to come.

Crafting Your Blueberry Orange Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

The journey to this delightful bread begins with a harmonious blend of liquids. Start by melting the butter into boiling water. This warm base helps infuse the flavors and ensures a smooth batter. Next, whisk in the fresh juice and vibrant zest from your oranges. I found that two medium-to-large oranges provided more than enough juice and zest for this recipe, delivering an intense citrus punch that is truly irresistible.

Once your liquid base is ready, it’s time to introduce the sweetness and binding power of sugar and eggs. Mix in the sugar, ensuring it dissolves thoroughly. Then, add the egg and whisk until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a light and airy consistency. After that, gradually incorporate all the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough bread.

The final, delicate step before baking is folding in the blueberries. This requires a gentle hand. The goal is to distribute the blueberries evenly without crushing them, which would make them mushy and potentially turn your batter an undesirable blue hue. A few gentle folds with a spatula are all that’s needed to incorporate them beautifully throughout the mixture.

The original recipe suggests an hour of bake time. However, in my oven, this Blueberry Orange Bread often takes a little longer – about an hour and fifteen minutes – to achieve that perfect golden-brown top and ensure it’s fully cooked through in the middle. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always best to rely on visual cues and the classic “toothpick test.” After an hour, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the toothpick emerges crumb-free.

The Finishing Touch: Honey-Orange Glaze

The final, magical step for this Blueberry Orange Bread is the simple yet transformative honey-orange glaze. While the bread is still hot from the oven, whisk together a blend of honey, fresh orange juice, and a touch more orange zest. Spoon this fragrant glaze generously over the warm loaf. The heat of the bread will allow the glaze to seep in, infusing every bite with an extra layer of bright, sweet, and tangy flavor. This honey-orange glaze truly takes the bread over the top, creating a moist, flavorful crust that is utterly irresistible!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Blueberry Orange Quick Bread is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or a comforting treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. Serve it warm, sliced thick, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

To store your bread, ensure it has cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped loaf for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and warm gently in the oven for that “freshly baked” experience.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’re as excited as we are to bake this incredible Blueberry Orange Bread, don’t forget to save it! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s always easy to find when that craving strikes.

Explore More Quick Bread Delights

Our site is home to a treasure trove of quick bread recipes, each offering its own unique flavor profile and comforting appeal. If you enjoyed this Blueberry Orange Bread, you might also love exploring some of these other favorites:

The Very BEST Banana Bread: A classic for a reason, perfect for using up ripe bananas.
Lime in the Coconut Bread: An exotic and refreshing twist, bursting with tropical flavors.
Pear Bread: A subtly sweet and incredibly moist bread, ideal for fall.
Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: A wholesome and hearty option, packed with goodness.
Grandma’s Zucchini Bread: A beloved recipe that cleverly hides vegetables in a delicious treat.
Chocolate Orange Banana Bread: A decadent combination for chocolate and citrus lovers.

There’s an undeniable magic about homemade bread baking in the oven. The process itself is wonderfully therapeutic. The act of measuring, mixing, and creating something delicious with your own hands can be incredibly calming and satisfying. And then, there’s the reward: the incredible scent that fills your home, followed by the sheer pleasure of enjoying a slice of your warm, freshly baked creation. It’s a sensory experience that brings joy and comfort.

As you enjoy a slice of this delightful Blueberry Orange Bread, take a moment to reflect. Let the comfort of this classic recipe inspire you to set small, obtainable goals, not just for the new year, but for every day. Focus on progress, not perfection, and find joy in the simple, delicious moments.

So, who’s ready to experience the pure joy of baking and tasting this exceptional Blueberry Orange Bread? Don’t wait any longer – gather your ingredients and let the baking begin!

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Blueberry Orange Bread

Decades old, this recipe for Blueberry Orange Bread is tried and true. Fresh orange juice & zest, fresh or frozen blueberries, glazed with honey and orange.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Blueberry Orange Bread, fresh blueberry bread, fresh orange bread, how to make blueberry bread with orange, quick bread

Servings: 1 loaf

Calories: 222 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Loaf Pans
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

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Melt butter into boiling water in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup orange juice and 3 teaspoons orange zest.
Add in egg, whisk until egg is beaten into the mixture. Mix in sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add flour, baking soda and powder, and salt. Mix well.
Gently fold in blueberries.
Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for one hour. (See notes below.) Remove when a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Mix 2 Tablespoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 Tablespoons honey together. Pour over bread while it’s still hot.

Notes

The original recipe is taken from the Winnehahas Good Cookin’ Book from 1981.

The recipe said to bake for one hour. Mine seems to take more like 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check it and make sure it’s done in the middle before removing it from the oven.

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