With the end of summer in sight, we are trying hard to make the most of it by squeezing in as much fun as possible while also being mindful to take each day slowly and intentionally. This past weekend we hosted a backyard morning brunch for our neighbors and it was such a nice way to kick off this end-of-summer season. The kids ran around and played while the adults mingled and my heart was filled with gratefulness once again for this community that we live in. Looking ahead to these next couple of weeks, we’re going to try to fit in a just a few more summer playdates, one last mini-golf outing, a trip to the raspberry farm, maybe one more picnic, and so on. I’ve made this blueberry lemon thyme bread to celebrate the end of summer as well. We’ve gotten beautiful thyme from our CSA and it adds such a fragrant and fresh summer flavor to the blueberries and lemon. The bread is made with white whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour for a light texture and yogurt to keep it moist and tender. This is the kind of loaf which is perfect for an afternoon tea or snack. It’s sweet, but not quite indulgent enough for dessert. We aren’t always able to sit down for a snack in the afternoons, but I do enjoy the times when we are able to come together for a few moments to rest, recollect ourselves, and savor a sweet treat together. School is just around the corner and I know I will be missing these times soon.
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup natural cane sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1½ tablespoons fresh thyme
- zest from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1¾ cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons natural cane sugar
- Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour 9x5 loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined. Beat in thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add dry ingredients, alternating with yogurt, and mix together on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix. Fold in blueberries.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake until top turns golden and tester comes out clean, about 65-75 minutes.
- For the glaze, combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Whisk together over low heat until sugar is dissolved. While the bread is still warm, poke holes in bread with toothpick and use a pastry brush to brush the glaze over the bread. Cool 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
This looks like the perfect end-of-summer treat! Love the use of thyme, such a great addition to a lemony loaf 🙂
Emily says
Thank you, June!
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
This is so sweet. I love your life with your little ones! All those activities sound like a dream. Where you live must be just beautiful. And this loaf is everything I love about summer. You combined the best of the berries, citrus, and herbs into a truly lovely sweet bread 🙂 enjoy these last few weeks! I saw on Insta that you made to to the CSA farm – just too pretty <3
Emily says
You are so kind, Jessie! I’ve actually found myself dreaming of living somewhere like Colorado, Maine, Oregon, etc., but my eyes are opening up to the simple beauty around here in Michigan. There’s a lot to be said for having a content heart and that’s what I want!
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
Oh man – is there a lot to be said about that. So so so true. Its my biggest prayer right now. May we both have content hearts! <3
Sarah | Drool-Worthy says
I have the same feelings – summer’s ending and I want to squeeze everything in, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m rushing! This bread looks amazing – blueberry and lemon is one of my favorite food combos. So great!
Emily says
Hi Sarah! I know! I have such a long list of summer recipes that I still want to make, but I think I might have to give up at this point!
Amanda says
Oh! I have never thought to put thyme in a lemon bluebery bread. Absolutely brilliant! Thyme is one of my favorite herbs? can’t wait to gove this a go!
Emily says
Since I’ve had such an abundance of thyme this year, I’ve been putting it in so many things- it’s such a wonderful summer herb! Thanks for stopping by, Amanda!
Kathryn @ The Scratch Artist says
Emily this post was just so warming. The bread, the reflections, and the imagery that your words brought were just so beautiful. I am lucky to have found your blog this afternoon after seeing your comment on Jessie’s blog. This bread is exactly my kind of baked good. Whole grain, not too sweet, and packed full of seasonal fruit. Can’t wait to get into the kitchen and make this.
Emily says
Thank you, Kathryn! You are so sweet to take the time to write such a thoughtful note!
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
Taking the time to enjoy life’s gentle unfoldings is a gift; I find myself wanting to squeeze out every ounce of seasonal goodness too. And what a lovely loaf – I am particularly drawn to the inclusion of thyme as paired with the lemon and blueberry, I imagine it would be delicious. Your photos are so peaceful and comforting; wrapping me in warmth this morning. Delighted to discover your beautiful work.
Emily says
Thanks so much, Kelly, for taking time out to write such a sweet note! Seems like the struggle to slow down is constant, but life is always better when savored. Hope your weekend is lovely!