Lemon Blueberry Bread – A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of lemon and blueberries. The bright citrusy zing of lemon perfectly complements the sweet, slightly tart burst of fresh blueberries, making this Lemon Blueberry Bread an absolute treat. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a light dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to bring a little sunshine to your day.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

This recipe is one of those that instantly transports you to warm summer mornings, when fresh blueberries are in abundance, and the kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of fresh-baked goodness. Even if it’s not summertime, this bread brings a refreshing, cozy warmth that makes it perfect year-round. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent addition to brunch tables, family gatherings, or even just a personal treat to brighten up a regular day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Moist & Tender – Thanks to the balance of ingredients, this bread stays soft and moist with every bite.
• Bright, Refreshing Flavor – The lemon zest and juice add the perfect amount of citrusy brightness, making this a light yet indulgent treat.
• Easy to Make – This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Bread:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (tossed in a little flour to prevent sinking)

• For the Lemon Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Wash the blueberries and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps the bread bake up light and fluffy.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft texture of the bread.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These ingredients give the bread its signature bright and refreshing flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a portion of the flour mixture, mix, then add some milk, mix again, and repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears.

Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Add the Lemon Glaze

While the bread is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Once the bread has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it naturally flow down the sides.

Helpful Tips for the Best Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Coat the Blueberries in Flour – This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, ensuring even distribution.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, much better than bottled lemon juice.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to avoid a dense or tough texture.
• Check for Doneness Properly – Every oven is different, so check by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Zesting Tips: When zesting lemons, avoid the white pith underneath the skin, as it can add bitterness to the bread. Use a fine grater or a microplane for best results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth batter, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend more evenly.
• Lemon Flavor Boost: If you love an extra tangy flavor, you can add an additional ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to enhance the citrus notes.
• Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner drizzle, add a few more drops of lemon juice.
• Prevent Overbaking: Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
• Make It Healthier: You can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber, or use Greek yogurt instead of some of the butter for a slightly lighter loaf.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
• Customize It: Want some crunch? Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the batter for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries, but don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. Toss them in flour just like fresh blueberries to prevent sinking.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake it. If stored properly, the bread stays moist for days. See storage instructions below.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Freezer: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Related Recipes

If you love this Lemon Blueberry Bread, you might also enjoy:

• Blueberry Ricotta Scones

• Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect balance of fresh, fruity, and sweet. With its soft, moist texture and bright lemony flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this loaf is sure to impress.

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