Delightful Blackberry Loaf Recipe
Indulge in the summer essence of fresh blackberries with this scrumptious Blackberry Loaf, perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a delightful snack. With its tender crumb and sweet berry infusion, this loaf brings a burst of flavor and a touch of indulgence to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a charming addition to your morning routine or a sweet treat for an afternoon break, this recipe is a perfect choice. The following detailed instructions will guide you through the process of creating a loaf that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat. 🌞🍇
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
2. Creaming the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup softened butter. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Adding the Egg:
Crack one large egg into the creamed mixture, beating until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and richness to your loaf.
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This mixture will help to leaven and flavor your loaf.
5. Alternating Additions:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. This technique ensures a smooth batter without overworking the gluten in the flour.
6. Enhancing with Vanilla:
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a delightful undertone of flavor that complements the fresh blackberries beautifully.
7. Folding in Blackberries:
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of fresh blackberries. Be careful not to overmix as you want to maintain the integrity of the berries and avoid mashing them.
8. Preparing the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in 1/4 cup cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Assembling the Loaf:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the batter. This will create a delightful crumbly top as the loaf bakes.
10. Baking the Loaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Begin checking for doneness at 45 minutes. The loaf is ready when it is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the flavors to set and makes slicing easier.
Tips and Variations
- Berry Choices: Feel free to substitute fresh blackberries with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries, or a mix of your favorites for a delightful twist.
- Adding Nuts: For added texture, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter.
- Glaze Option: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Blackberry Loaf with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or serve it as a sweet start to your day. Its moist texture and berry-studded crumb make it a versatile treat for any time of the day. 🍰☕💖
