Blueberry Bread with Sparkling Water

There are days when you want something cozy baking in the oven without turning it into a whole production, and this blueberry bread is exactly that kind of comfort. I first made it on a quiet afternoon when I wanted something soft, lightly sweet, and bursting with fruit, and the sparkling water turned out to be the secret magic. It creates a tender crumb that feels almost bakery-style, and the result is a loaf that feels special yet effortless for everyday baking.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This blueberry bread is one of those recipes that quietly surprises you in the best way. It comes together easily, fills your kitchen with a warm, fruity aroma, and delivers a soft, moist slice every single time.

Adaptable: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, making this recipe easy to bake year-round without stress.

Easy on the Wallet: Simple pantry staples and seasonal fruit keep this loaf affordable and accessible.

No-Fuss: No yeast, no complicated techniques, just mix, pour, and bake with confidence.

Easy to Tweak: From citrus zest to different berries, this recipe welcomes creative touches.

Always a Hit: It is perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a sweet snack that everyone reaches for.

Great for Planning Ahead: This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.

Leftover-Friendly: Slices store beautifully and reheat like a dream without drying out.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a simple trick I picked up while experimenting with lighter quick breads. Sparkling water adds lift without heaviness, giving the loaf a delicate texture that feels almost nostalgic, like something you would find cooling on a kitchen counter growing up. It is the kind of recipe you make once, then keep coming back to whenever blueberries are calling your name.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a loaf that is soft, moist, and packed with juicy bursts of blueberry in every bite.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, provides structure while keeping the crumb tender.
2. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, helps the bread rise evenly.
3. Baking Soda: 0.5 teaspoon, balances acidity and adds lift.
4. Salt: 0.5 teaspoon, enhances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
5. Granulated Sugar: 0.75 cup, sweetens the loaf without overpowering the fruit.
6. Eggs: 2 large eggs, bring richness and bind the batter.
7. Vegetable Oil: 0.5 cup, keeps the bread moist for days.
8. Sparkling Water: 0.75 cup, creates a light, airy texture.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and depth.
10. Fresh Blueberries: 1.5 cups, deliver juicy pops of flavor throughout the bread.
11. Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon, brightens the blueberries and lifts the overall flavor.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Special Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe keeps equipment simple so you can focus on enjoying the process.

Loaf Pan: Holds the batter and shapes the bread evenly as it bakes.
Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients to ensure even mixing.
Whisk: Helps blend the batter smoothly without overmixing.
Spatula: Perfect for folding in blueberries gently.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This process is simple and relaxed, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, sparkling water, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Bring it together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the blueberries: Carefully fold in the blueberries and lemon zest, keeping the berries intact.
6. Transfer the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake to perfection: Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Serve this blueberry bread sliced thick and slightly warm to highlight its soft crumb and juicy berries. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual charm, while a few fresh blueberries on the plate make it feel bakery-worthy. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk, and it looks stunning on a wooden board with fresh fruit alongside.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few simple tips will help you get bakery-style results every time.

• Gently toss blueberries with a teaspoon of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
• Check for doneness near the end of baking, ovens can vary slightly.
• Let the bread cool fully before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variations You Can Try

If you enjoy experimenting, this recipe gives you plenty of room to play.

• Add a cinnamon crumble topping for extra texture and sweetness.
• Swap blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Stir in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
• Add a simple lemon glaze for a bright, bakery-style finish.
• Mix in white chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.

Make Ahead and Storage

This bread is perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Once completely cooled, store it wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container. Reheat gently to bring back its soft texture and fresh-baked flavor.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

These little tricks make a big difference.

• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter.
• Choose firm blueberries to prevent excess moisture.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
• Note: Always let quick breads rest before slicing to lock in moisture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 240
Note: These are approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Add them straight from the freezer and gently fold them in to avoid excess color bleeding.

2. Why use sparkling water in this recipe?

Sparkling water adds lightness to the batter, creating a soft, airy crumb without yeast.

3. Can I make this bread less sweet?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep enough to balance the blueberries and maintain moisture.

4. How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?

Lightly coating them in flour before folding helps distribute them evenly.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

6. What oil works best for this recipe?

Neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil keep the flavor clean and moist.

7. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

8. Can I add spices to the batter?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth without overpowering the blueberries.

9. Is this bread suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely, it is lightly sweet and filling, perfect with coffee or tea.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans for best results.

Conclusion

This blueberry bread with sparkling water is one of those quiet baking wins that feels special without trying too hard. This one’s a total game-changer for easy home baking, and let me tell you, it’s worth every bite. If you give it a try, I know it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.

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