If you’re craving a treat that’s bursting with fresh, fruity flavors and a bright citrus zing, you’re in for a real delight with this Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe. This quick bread is wonderfully soft and moist, studded with juicy blueberries and kissed by the irresistible tang of fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or a sweet afternoon snack that feels both comforting and refreshingly light. Trust me, once you take a bite, this Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe is all about using simple, staple ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender flour base to the juicy burst of blueberries, and that lively lemon to brighten the whole loaf.
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: These are the star of the show, bringing juicy sweetness and beautiful pops of purple throughout the bread.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries): Tossing blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom, keeping every slice perfectly studded.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread stays tender and soft.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a mellow, sweet aroma that complements the citrus and berries beautifully.
- Zest of 1–2 lemons: The zest imparts intense lemon flavor and fragrance without extra acidity.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Provides brightness and a fresh tang that wakes up every bite.
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk: Keeps the bread rich and moist, with buttermilk adding a subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the lemon juice to give an extra lift and light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the bread, providing the perfect base for the blueberries and lemon to shine.
- Optional Lemon Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for a sweet, tangy finishing touch.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped after baking.
Step 2: Toss the Blueberries
Gently toss the fresh or frozen blueberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. This simple step ensures even distribution and beautiful berry bursts in every slice.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture feels light and creamy. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and milk to infuse the batter with vibrant citrus notes.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly over the wet ingredients, then mix gently to combine. Slowly stir in the flour until just incorporated; it’s important not to overmix here so your bread stays perfectly tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a spatula, making sure to distribute them evenly while keeping as much juice intact as possible. This keeps the bread moist and packed with juicy fruit.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the loaf starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for an extra zing and sweetness that make your Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe irresistible.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider garnishing slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh blueberries and lemon zest curls. These small touches make a beautiful, fresh impression that accentuates the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This bread is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a dollop of mascarpone cheese to complement the fruity and citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thickly and toasting it lightly before adding a smear of butter or honey for an elevated twist. You can also cut it into bite-sized cubes to create a festive bread pudding or serve as a base for a fresh fruit and cream cheese spread at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week without losing its tender crumb or vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and add the lemon glaze fresh, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy it warm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This revives the bread’s moistness and aroma, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great—just be sure not to thaw them before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
Why do we toss the blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter?
Tossing blueberries in flour helps them stay suspended throughout the bread instead of sinking to the bottom, giving you even fruit distribution in every slice.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with vegetable oil for a slightly different but still moist texture. Oil also keeps the bread tender and fresh longer.
Is it necessary to add a lemon glaze?
The lemon glaze is optional but highly recommended if you love a sweeter, tangier finish. It enhances the lemon flavor and adds a lovely glossy look to your bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), your Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe is perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe is one of those baked goods that feel like a warm hug brought to life through fresh ingredients and a bright flavor combo. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or a sweet afternoon treat, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs from everyone lucky enough to try it. Give it a go—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this perfect slice of sunshine!
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Blueberry Lemon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blueberry lemon bread is a soft, moist quick bread bursting with juicy blueberries and bright lemon flavor. Lightly sweet and perfectly tender, it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1–2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
Optional Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toss Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to coat them. This step helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add Lemon and Milk: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and milk or buttermilk, mixing until evenly combined to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine these leavening agents and seasonings thoroughly into the batter.
- Fold in Flour: Gradually fold in the 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Add Blueberries: Carefully fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: If using, drizzle the lemon glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice over the fully cooled bread for an extra burst of citrus sweetness.
Notes
- Tossing blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before folding into the batter to avoid color bleeding and sogginess.
- If the top of the bread browns too quickly during baking, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- The loaf freezes well for up to 3 months; apply the glaze after thawing to preserve texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
