Hello from my cozy kitchen! Today, we’re making a delightful recipe: Raspberry Pecan Bread with a Lemon Glaze. Imagine a loaf that’s bursting with juicy raspberries, crunchy pecans, and a zesty lemon finish. Doesn’t it sound heavenly? It is! This treat is perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Let’s get started!

Raspberry Pecan Bread with Lemon Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious raspberry bread:

Ingredients

2 cups + 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups raspberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the flour, the sugars, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg, and then stir in the melted butter, the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

wet and dry ingredients for raspberry pecan bread

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be rather thick.
Coat the raspberries with flour by placing them in a bowl, sprinkling them with two tablespoons of flour, and tossing them lightly. This step keeps the raspberries from sinking to the bottom or your bread.

Gently fold in the raspberries and chopped pecans.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to personalize your raspberry bread:

Berry Mix-Up: Substitute half of the raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a mixed berry delight.
Go Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if that’s more your style.
Unglazed: This raspberry pecan bread is delicious even without the lemon glaze. For a hint of lemon without the glaze, you could add some lemon zest to the batter.

Baking Tips for Quick Breads

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing your batter can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter blend smoothly.
Freshness Counts: Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor. Frozen raspberries can work in a pinch, but they may add extra moisture, so adjust baking time as needed.

Buying Raspberries on a Budget

Raspberries can be a bit pricey, but there are ways to enjoy them without breaking the bank:

Shop Seasonally: Buy raspberries during peak season (late spring through summer) when they’re most affordable.
Buy in Bulk: Look for deals on larger quantities and freeze extras for later use.
Farmers’ Markets: Local markets often offer fresher produce at competitive prices. Plus, you’re supporting local growers!

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your raspberry pecan bread fresh and delicious:

Storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Slice the bread and wrap each piece individually. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices as needed and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This raspberry bread is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways:

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Toasted with Butter: A warm, toasty slice with a pat of butter is pure comfort.
Paired with Tea or Coffee: A perfect companion for your favorite hot beverage.

Baking at home not only fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas but also nurtures a sense of togetherness. My daughters are all grown up and we still enjoy baking together. When the grandkids come over, we often bake a simple treat together. It’s a meaningful way to show love to your family, and it’s gentle on your finances. Do you have any favorite family recipes that bring warmth to your home? How do you make time for cooking amidst a busy schedule? Share in the comments!

If you’re looking for other quick bread recipes to try, you might enjoy our banana bread or zucchini bread recipes! My favorite pumpkin bread recipe can be found here.

I hope this raspberry pecan bread brings a bit of sunshine to your day!

Until next time, happy baking!