Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Bright & Tangy Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe for Sunny Days

Summer’s golden afternoons call for a delightful lemon blueberry bread that bursts with vibrant flavors and tender crumb.

Ripe blueberries dance through soft, zesty layers of homemade goodness.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that sing with freshness.

Juicy berries nestle into the light, moist batter, creating pockets of intense flavor.

The bright citrus undertones complement the berries’ natural sweetness, making this bread an irresistible treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this simple yet elegant recipe.

Savor every bite of this delectable bread that brings sunshine to your kitchen.

Lemon Blueberry Bread, Always a Classic

  • Boost Weekend Brunch: Elevate your morning gathering with this zesty, fruity bread that brings sunshine to the table and delights everyone from kids to grandparents.
  • Simple Baking Adventure: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making it perfect for beginner and experienced home cooks.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual get-togethers, this lemon blueberry bread offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors that appeals to diverse taste preferences.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal equipment needed, quick mixing process, and standard baking time make this recipe a stress-free option for busy home bakers seeking a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients for a Bright Lemon Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundational base that provides structure and texture to the bread.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color of the bread.
  • Blueberries: Fresh berries that bring bursts of juicy flavor and natural sweetness to the bread.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Oil, Eggs: These ingredients create moisture and help bind the bread together.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, tangy citrus flavor that complements the blueberries.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Essential for helping the bread rise and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Optional Finishing:
  • Lemon Glaze: A sweet and zesty topping that adds extra moisture and shine to the bread.

Quick Steps to Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prep the Baking Space

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and ready for action.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Combine Wet Components

In a separate bowl, create a zesty liquid mixture that will bring your bread to life.

  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Fresh lemon zest
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly introduce your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until everything just comes together – don’t go overboard with mixing!

Step 5: Fold in Blueberry Goodness

Carefully fold those juicy blueberries into the batter.

Be gentle to keep the berries intact and prevent color bleeding.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Pro tip: Your bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing it to set and develop its full flavor profile.

Step 8: Optional Lemon Glaze Finale

For an extra burst of citrusy sweetness, drizzle a light lemon glaze over the cooled bread before serving.

Bread Tips for a Tender Crumb

  • Toss fresh blueberries in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter to stop them from dropping to the bottom of the bread.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother batter and prevent overmixing, which can create a dense, dry texture.
  • Grate lemon zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the yellow skin for a brighter, fresher citrus flavor.
  • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked and will remain tender.

Variations to Make This Bread Unique

  • Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Citrus Berry Loaf: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of regular oil.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Bread: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add extra lemon zest for natural sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Lemon Blueberry Cake: Use coconut milk or almond milk, and replace regular milk with non-dairy alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Ways to Serve Up Lemon Blueberry Bread

  • Brunch Delight: Slice this tangy bread and serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a vibrant morning meal.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with hot Earl Grey tea or iced lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.
  • Dessert Transformation: Cut into cubes, layer with whipped cream and fresh blueberries to create a quick and elegant summer trifle.
  • Gifting Option: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Keeping Lemon Blueberry Bread Fresh

  • Store the lemon blueberry bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep the bread covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to consume it quickly. Ensure it's in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in a little flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking and bleeding.

  • How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Coating the blueberries in a thin layer of flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay evenly distributed during baking.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh lemon zest?

Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use bottled lemon juice and a small amount of dried lemon peel as an alternative.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, which should produce similar results.

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Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Moist and zesty lemon blueberry bread delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet berries. Homemade comfort wraps you in a delightful slice of pure culinary joy, making each bite a memorable taste adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze:

  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend the dry components using a whisk to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Create a separate mixture by whisking together the liquid elements, incorporating lemon zest and juice for vibrant citrus notes.
  4. Gradually introduce the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with gentle, deliberate strokes until just incorporated – avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Delicately fold fresh blueberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing the delicate fruit.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for consistent baking.
  7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top develops a golden-brown hue.
  8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
  9. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place on a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
  10. Optional: Enhance the bread’s flavor by drizzling with a zesty lemon glaze just before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent blueberries from sinking by tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.
  • Use fresh or frozen blueberries, but if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid color bleeding and maintain bread’s texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep the bread’s soft crumb.
  • Enhance the lemon flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or brushing the warm bread with lemon simple syrup for more intense citrus notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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