Blueberries are one of the most nutritious and antioxidant-rich fruits available. But did you know that dried blueberries can also be used in various baking recipes? Whether you want to add a sweet, tangy flavor to your cookies, muffins, bread, or cakes, dried blueberries can be the perfect ingredient.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Before we dive into the baking recipes, let’s first discuss the health benefits of blueberries. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which are essential for a healthy body. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent snack option for weight-conscious people. Research shows that blueberries can improve heart health, brain function, and insulin sensitivity, among other things.
Tips for Using Dried Blueberries in Baking
Using dried blueberries in baking is an excellent way to add flavor and texture to your recipes. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of dried blueberries:
- Soak the dried blueberries in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to your batter. This will help to rehydrate them and prevent them from becoming too dry during baking.
- Coat the dried blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter. This will help to distribute them evenly and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use the right amount of dried blueberries, as too many can overpower the flavor of your recipe.
- Store your dried blueberries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.
15 Recipes with Dried Blueberries
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that everyone loves. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, and an egg. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the dried blueberries and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Blueberry Scones
Blueberry scones are a delightful pastry that pairs well with tea or coffee. To make them, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter in a bowl. Add an egg, milk, and dried blueberries, and mix until a dough forms. Shape the dough into scones and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Blueberry Bread
Blueberry bread is a tasty and healthy snack that is perfect for any time of day. To make it, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. In another bowl, mix an egg, milk, melted butter, and dried blueberries. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry cheesecake is a creamy and decadent dessert that everyone loves. To make it, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the dried blueberries and pour the mixture onto the crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Blueberry Cobbler
Blueberry cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert that is perfect for cold days. To make it, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk in a bowl. Melt butter in a baking dish and pour the batter over it. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried blueberries in another bowl and sprinkle over the batter. Pour hot water over the mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Blueberry Bars
Blueberry bars are a convenient and portable snack that you can enjoy on the go. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and melted butter in a bowl.
Press the mixture onto the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. In another bowl, mix an egg, sugar, lemon juice, and dried blueberries. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Blueberry Crumble
Blueberry crumble is a simple and delicious dessert that you can make in no time. To make it, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
Spread the mixture over the bottom of a greased baking dish. In another bowl, mix dried blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the crumble and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Blueberry Brownies
Blueberry brownies are a unique twist on the classic chocolate dessert. To make them, melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. In a bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Add the chocolate mixture and stir until combined.
Fold in the dried blueberries and pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that everyone loves. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and dried blueberries in a bowl. In another bowl, mix an egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
Blueberry Scones
Blueberry scones are a fancy and delicious brunch item that is perfect for special occasions. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and dried blueberries in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, mix an egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Shape the dough into a circle and cut into wedges. Bake on a greased baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry pie is a classic American dessert that is perfect for any occasion. To make it, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time and stir until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and place it in a greased 9-inch pie dish. Mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and dried blueberries in another bowl. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Blueberry Ice Cream
Blueberry ice cream is a refreshing and sweet dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. To make it, mix heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. In another bowl, mix egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Add the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture and stir until combined. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook on low heat until thickened. Stir in dried blueberries and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQs
Dried blueberries are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, and may help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Yes, you can substitute fresh blueberries for dried blueberries in most recipes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.
Dried blueberries are available at most grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
Dried blueberries should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Yes, you can use other dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries,
Conclusion
Dried blueberries are a versatile ingredient that you can use to make a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. From pancakes and muffins to pies and ice cream, there are countless ways to incorporate dried blueberries into your cooking.
So the next time you are wondering what to bake, consider adding dried blueberries to your recipe for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
