This is the best quick Maine Blueberry Bread recipe I know of. I made this in college and it still is a favorite of mine. Whether you use wild Maine blueberries (which Maine blueberries are generally considered wild blueberries) or not, this easy blueberry bread recipe is fabulous.
This Blueberry bread with toasted walnuts is my most favorite quick bread to make.
It's a great way to eat blueberries, though maybe not the healthiest, but a slice of this is sure worth it!
Blueberry Bread happens to be one of my favorite quick breads.
I discovered this recipe years ago in my college days and Manservant always asks for it.
This was way before blueberries became a healthy fruit, so now I feel really healthy when I have a slice!
Hah! However it is said that good food makes you feel good, so I'll stick with that!
Maine is well-known for its wild blueberries, and there is no better way to enjoy them than in a delicious blueberry bread.
This moist quick bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Then again it is great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, too!
This easy recipe can also be mixed up by swapping out the blueberries for other fresh berries of your choice.
I have made this recipe with maple syrup, keeping with Maine traditions, but since the maple doesn't really add to the flavor, sugar can be used which also makes this bread more economical.
Not only is this blueberry bread delicious, but it's also a great way to get some extra nutrition into your day.
Wild blueberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
They are said to be packed with double the amount of antioxicants, but honestly, that's not why I eat blueberries.
I eat fresh blueberries because they taste so good!
How to Make this Maine Blueberry Bread Recipe
Begin by assembling the flour mixture.
In a large bowl combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.
Stir in the blueberries and toasted walnuts and toss together.
Tossing together makes sure that the blueberries don't sink to the bottom of the pan.
In a medium bowl combine the large eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract (the wet ingredients) and whisk well.
Combinethe egg mixture with the dry ingredients and using a rubber spatula spoon or pour batter into a parchment paper lined 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
Turn the oven on to 350 to preheat.
Let batter sit for 20 minutes before placing in the preheated oven.
Bake 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out with just a few tiny crumbs attached.
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to let bread cool before removing from pan.
No need for lemon juice in this recipe and no need for a hand mixer.
It all comes together quite fast, even mixing by hand!
The exterior of the loaf will be golden brown and the moist interior will be loaded with blueberries and walnuts.
To serve, slice this quick bread recipe into thick slices and enjoy with a smear of butter.
Or not. This bread is also superb toasted!
Leftover blueberry bread can also be stored in an airtight container losely wrapped in a paper towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
After that I would place it in the freezer.
I don't find that this blueberry bread recipe dries out quickly, however in a humid region it may develop mold.
When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it out at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick and easy treat.
This easy blueberry bread recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the delicious taste of blueberries.
Whether you're making it for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this moist quick bread is sure to impress.
I love banana bread, but if I have a choice I would always choose this blueberry bread.
With blueberries being found in the grocery store year round, there is no reason to not indulge!
Every month is basically blueberry season!
Frozen blueberries?
If you find yourself with frozen blueberries, rinse with water until the water is noticeably lighter than dark blue, otherwise your bread with be blue throughout.
Rinsing helps solve this problem! Then dry well on a paper towel and use as per instructions.
Can you make Blueberry Muffins with Blueberry Bread Batter?
This recipe can also be used to make easy blueberry muffins.
Simply spoon about ¼ cup of batter or until the muffin cup is ¾ full, and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes.
Insert a toothpick to test.
Maple Syrup instead of Sugar?
Maple syrup does not add much flavor to this bread. However if you want you can use a combination of maple syrup and sugar.
If you are just using sugar increase the milk to 1 cup.
So what exactly is a quick bread?
Quick breads are breads, or any baked goods that aren't leavened with yeast or eggs.
Before the discovery of chemical leavening agents, baked goods required yeast or eggs to give them lift.
Baking soda was invented in 1846 and baking powder in 1856.
The most known baking powder, "Calumet baking powder" is from Calumet City, Illinois which wasn't that far from where I grew up!
During the Civil War skilled bakers became scarce and there was a need for bread to be produced quickly and consistently.
Hence the beginnings of the popularity of quick breads. Chemical leavening agents initially were a trade off to yeast, but quickly it was found that more reliable results could be produced with them.
So what exactly does a chemical leavener do in your baked goods? Basically it produces carbon dioxide which creates a softer and lighter texture in the bread.
And now if you play Trivial Pursuit you will know this fun fact!
Enjoy this Maine blueberry bread recipe.
There are many out there but this one has proven time and time again that good recipes stand the test of time.
It has kept us happy over the years. Let me know how it works for you!
This is an updated post from 2013. It takes me back!
I'm feeling a bit blue today and it isn't because I discovered this blueberry bread in the fridge this morning.
I had made several last week and gave one to neighbors, but somehow this one was hiding in its loaf pan, on top of the eggs.
It kept well and is still moist and good.
Blueberry bread is perfect with your tea or coffee, as an afternoon snack, breakfast treat or even for dessert.
In that case, top it with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream and some blueberry syrup. You will thank me later.
No, I'm feeling a bit blue because this was posted on my son's Facebook page today. "Officially moving to Sonoma on Monday."
We knew it was coming and we are happy for him. But life is a series of hellos and good byes and this is just one more, in many that are still yet to come.
He would tell me I'm being a bit dramatic, which I probably am, but I liked knowing he was living in the same state as me.
I liked the rush when he would come home and we could sit and talk around the dinner table with music playing in the background, and the sound of the washing machine signalling the presence of his dirty clothes.
Music seems to follow my son where ever he goes.
And isn't it funny that his guitar teacher who he took lessons from -from the age of 7 until 15- immediately messaged him back and said he lives not far from there.
That his guitar teacher still follows him is soothing to me, and I know they will get together. Well, they better.
Alex will be working here. It looks like a pretty awesome place.
They aren't paying him enough but I bet all mothers say that.
I hope they treat him better than the last place that didn't deserve him. I bet all mothers say that, too.
But he learned a lot. Not just about working, but about himself.
He learned that he doesn't need to know a soul to explore the world. And his soul isn't afraid to explore.
This is just a stop on the road back to China. I can feel it in my soul.
I've never been to Sonoma. I've been to Napa twice.
Yes, he is choosing a spot I can imagine being and I hope I can visit.
No, I don't think he intends to be there long, but it is the kind of country that looks like it could inhale you.
The scenery is so magnificent and the air must be filled with the scent of food and wine.
And I bet everyone has grapes in their backyard and perfect vegetables in their garden and the ocean is just an hour away.
Well, a girl can dream, can't she?
When my kids went off to college I wondered if one would be on the East coast, and one on the West.
It didn't happen then; but now that will be the case.
My husband better make a lot of money fast because I don't intend to stay put in the middle.
I'm ready to explore life, just like my son, and I am tired of waiting. (No pressure, dear.)
And so it is, that I ask of all of you-do you know anyone in Sonoma?
A mother always feels better when someone can check up on their offspring.
And after all, he is just living temporarily with a stranger in Santa Rosa in a room in their town home.
I hope he is a good stranger.
So, I guess he will soon be on his way.
He is getting tires for the car and loading it up.
After, of course, we attend a big wedding in the mountains with lots of friends.
Everyone will say hello and how are you doing; it's been too long, look how your son has grown, and then it will be time for goodbyes-again.
Life-full of good byes. But better yet-full of hellos and see you soon's.
Recipe
Blueberry Bread with Toasted Walnuts
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes*
- Cook Time: 60 Minutes
- Total Time: 1Hour 20 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Hand Mix
- Cuisine: American
Description
Blueberry Bread is my favorite quick bread to make. One bite of this and you will see why!
Ingredients
2 c flour
¼ t salt
3 t baking powder
½ c maple syrup or (use 1 c sugar total since you really can't taste the maple in this and increase the milk to one cup)
¼ c sugar or if omitting the maple syrup increase to 1 cup
1 c fresh blueberries
½ c toasted walnuts or pecans
2 eggs beaten
¾ c milk or if omitting maple syrup increase to 1 cup
3 T oil
1 t vanilla or maple extract
Instructions
Stir together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.
Add the berries and nuts and toss.
Combine eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and stir into berry mixture.
Pour/spoon into parchment lined 9 x 5 loaf pan. Let stand 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350. Bake loaf one hour or until toothpick comes out with just a few tiny crumbs sticking to it.
Notes
*Does not include 20 Minutes resting time.
Susan says
On the bright side, at least you'll only be separated by a couple of states and not oceans and countries apart, Abbe 🙂 The place he will be working looks pretty spectacular! I don't think private clubs ever pay their employees very much, sadly. Gosh your blueberry bread is making my mouth water!
mimi rippee says
Heck, I wish one of my kids would move to Sonoma, instead of living in Brooklyn! Way more fun to visit!!! Actually, my favorite cabernet sauvignons are from Sonoma, not Napa. who cares? Anyway, I love this blueberry bread.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Changing times are always stressful. However, this young man will be successful where-ever he goes. Whip up a few batches of your blueberry bread for your visit as it will be a gorgeous place to visit.
2 Sisters Recipes says
LGood to see the return of this recipe! We Love blueberries and this bread looks divine! Love the addition of walnuts too - guess we have to get baking! Thanks for the recipe Abbe!
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef says
I live about 2 to 3 hours south of Sonoma depending on the traffic which is horrible in the bay area .Sonoma is a nice town, I spent a couple of days there last year and really liked it . I think your son will be just fine, you can visit him if you have the time. Your blueberry bread looks great.
lisaiscooking says
This bread looks so good! It looks perfect for a day when you're feeling blue too.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Lisa! It tastes divine! On all days!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Good to see this one return -- I love blueberries. Good choice. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Love this bread John! Thanks!
Liz Berg says
Loved revisiting this marvelous bread! I MUST bake up a batch while the blueberries are sweet and plump!
Abbe Odenwalder says
That's the idea Liz! Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh Shannon, wait until the first day of first grade or kindergarten! Some mothers can't wait for their kids to leave for college and others are like me. You will see.
shannon weber says
Aw, Abbe, that has to be so hard! Like sad and happy for him at the same time. Certainly he couldn't pick a more beautiful place to be (Sonoma!) and you know he'll be happy, so that's always good. I already get sad when i think about my little three-year-old leaving someday, so i can't imagine what it's like. you definitely deserve the comfort of a blueberry bread, for sure. 🙂
Biz says
My step-son moved to Austin and it took us three years to visit! My daughter lives in Chicago, a mere 1.5 hours from me, so that is nice to have her close. But I raised her to be independent, so I don't worry about her at all.
I was going to make tiny blueberry pies for me and my husband, but I might have to make this bread instead!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I don't worry about them, but I do miss them! I miss their energy is the best way to put it. And their smiles!
I love blueberry bread, but I love pie more.
I just made hand pies with blueberries that turned out really good.But I think it is quicker to make a big pie!
Natalie G says
This looks so tasty, I love baking with berries in the summer time!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love summer berries a lot Natalie. And they are just so pretty!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Abbe: You are so pretty!!! And the blueberry bread is superb. many slices for me, please!!!!!!!!!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Denise, you make me blush. You can have all the slices you want with that comment! In fact, you can have the loaf.
Liz Berg says
I would eat your blueberry loaf as breakfast AND dessert! I would be crushed if my son moved to California, but it looks like a great opportunity for him...and a wonderful spot to visit. You've given him wings...
Abbe Odenwalder says
Not crushed-just sad. But you are right in that we did give both kids wings. And so far they are using them well. They both love and miss Colorado so I figure when I'm really old and need someone to take care of me they will have moved back by then! Hope I can wait that long...
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks for visiting Nancy! It is a good, wholesome blueberry bread. And I will report back as soon as I visit! I wish it could be tomorrow!
nancycreative.com says
Your blueberry bread looks so good! And I've heard Sonoma is beautiful, too!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Laura! Laura, if that is what you want just do it. They will come visit. And you will have a lot to write about!
Laura Dembowski says
This bread looks super yummy and should certainly make you feel better! I want to move to California as soon as possible, but I only want to if my parents move with me!
Purabi Naha | Cosmopolitan Currymania says
I heard that Sonoma is lovely, so Alex is going to enjoy it! Whatever happens, happens for good. Life teaches us a lot of things, you see. I wish him best of luck for the future.
And yes, this bread looks gorgeous and tasty!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've heard that too Purabi and I know he will enjoy it. You are right about life and he truly savors it to the fullest which is a great trait to have. Thank you so much, I will pass on your good wishes!
ChgoJohn says
I've been on a savory bread kick lately, buying a different loaf each week at the farmers market. So when I saw this post's title, I thought I'd file away the recipe for another time. Then I saw the opening photo. Why didn't I buy blueberries today at the market? I didn't even stop at the vendor who offered me a sample. Next week it will be a different story completely.
I'm certain these will make a wonderful gift when you visit your son. I've a feeling you'll get there sooner than you think. 😉
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh John, a gift for my son. He would like that. He is a great cook, too! And get some blueberries-they are good for lot of things. But I love savory breads, too!
Angie Schneider says
You look great in blue 🙂 This quick bread looks divine, Abbe. I look forward to reading your visit(s) to your son in Sonoma.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Angie, you will be the first to know when I'm going. But he does need to get settled first!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Oh Abbe, you will have an excuse to visit new places now. And the blue will turn into sunny yellow in no time! And he will have so many learning experiences. Life is about saying goodbye a lot, it´s true, but just for a while. The blueberry bread sounds very comforting!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh Paula, you are so kind and you are right about learning experiences. And this bread is comforting. You are right.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Sniff, sniff, sob, sob. Thanks Mr. KR.
Kitchen Riffs says
Sonoma is a great place! Your son will enjoy it. You should definitely try to visit him - lovely countryside. And you can bring him this great looking bread! Just in case he's feeling blue, too. 😉 Good post. And cheer up! You know you'll figure out a way to see him before too long.