01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan. I always grease it really well, then dust it lightly with flour, shaking out any excess. This step is super important, especially if you want your Blueberry Zucchini Bread to slide out beautifully without sticking. I learned this the hard way after a few loaves got stuck; it's a real bummer, trust me!
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk until everything is totally combined. You want to make sure those leavening agents are distributed evenly, so your bread rises nicely. I always take a moment here to just smell the spices; it's so comforting and gets me excited for the baking ahead. Don't rush this part!
03 -
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, lightly beat your eggs. Then, whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until they're all blended together. This creates our liquid base, and you're looking for a smooth, uniform mixture. Honestly, I sometimes get a little messy with the oil, but it's all part of the fun, right? Just make sure it’s incorporated well.
04 -
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula, just until almost combined. Don't overmix! Lumps are actually okay here; overmixing develops gluten, which can make your Blueberry Zucchini Bread tough. Now, fold in your shredded zucchini. Remember that mistake I made? Squeeze out as much excess water from the zucchini as you can before adding it! This makes a huge difference in the final texture.
05 -
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. I usually toss them with a tablespoon of flour first; this little trick helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Be super gentle so you don't burst all those beautiful berries. You want those vibrant pockets of fruit throughout your Blueberry Zucchini Bread, not just a blue streak at the bottom.
06 -
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it! Mine usually takes about 55 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell at this stage is incredible, truly.
07 -
While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. You want a thick but pourable consistency. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice; too thin, add more powdered sugar. Once the Blueberry Zucchini Bread is completely cool (this is important, otherwise your glaze will just melt!), drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set a bit before slicing. It's the perfect tangy finish!