Wild Blueberry Nut Bread
A moist blueberry nut bread bursting with fresh blueberries and walnuts, accented by citrus zest, perfect for breakfast or teatime gatherings with a bright, wholesome flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grate the rind of the orange and lemon. Squeeze juice, adding enough boiling water to make 3/4 cup.
- Add the rind and butter; stir to melt the butter.
- Beat the egg separately.
- Add sugar gradually, beating well.
- Add all other ingredients and the citrus juice mixture.
- Blend well.
- Spoon into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with applesauce, which can also reduce calories. If you don't have fresh blueberries, frozen ones work well; just don't thaw them before mixing. Grating the citrus zest enhances the bread’s aroma, so don't skip this step. For added texture, you can include chopped pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. This recipe is also adaptable for gluten-free flour blends.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful nut bread is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve with fresh fruit. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Wild Blueberry Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Blueberry Nut Bread contains roughly 332 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a great crunch and flavor, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist. Just chop them coarsely and fold them into the batter as you would with walnuts.
What can I do if I don't have fresh citrus fruits?
If fresh oranges or lemons aren't available, you can use bottled citrus juice, but make sure it's 100% juice without additives. Alternatively, you could use a citrus-flavored extract to achieve a similar taste profile, adding about 1 teaspoon of extract for the right flavor balance.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The best way to check if your Wild Blueberry Nut Bread is done baking is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).