Lemon Blueberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries, then this Lemon Blueberry Bread is just what you need! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of sunny afternoons spent baking with friends. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible, and when you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this loaf is destined to become a favorite.

Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this quick bread is not only easy to whip up but also a wonderful way to brighten anyone’s day. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, Lemon Blueberry Bread brings joy to every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 90 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute treat.
• Family Favorite: With its sweet and tangy flavor profile, everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—it’s great for meal prep!
• Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served warm with butter or cool with glaze, this bread fits any mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Lemon Blueberry Bread. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

For the Bread

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (I used fresh)

For the Glaze

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix Up the Berries: Substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
• Zest It Up: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime for a unique flavor combination.
• Go Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste and added texture.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside gives them time to blend well before joining forces with your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until everything is well combined. This mixture will be the base of your moist bread!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture and milk in two batches while gently mixing. Starting with some flour helps prevent clumping; finish mixing just until combined to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Coat Your Blueberries

If using fresh blueberries, rinse them off so they’re slightly moist. Toss them in a small bowl with one tablespoon of flour; this will help keep them suspended in the batter instead of sinking while baking.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold your floured blueberries into the batter by hand. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely berries scattered throughout!

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready! After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While your bread cools, prepare your glaze by whisking together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Once your bread has cooled slightly, pour the glaze over it so it can soak in. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into this delicious loaf!

Enjoy every bite of your Lemon Blueberry Bread! It’s such a lovely treat that you’ll find yourself wanting to bake it again and again.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing helps to create a smoother batter, leading to a more evenly baked loaf.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding in the flour and blueberries prevents the bread from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to gluten formation, which makes the texture heavy instead of light and fluffy.
• Check for doneness – Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your bread at the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Let it cool completely – Allowing your bread to cool for 30 minutes in the pan helps it set, making it easier to slice without crumbling. Moving it to a wire rack afterward ensures even cooling.
• Experiment with berries – While blueberries are classic, feel free to mix in raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor. Just remember to coat them in flour as well!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and enhances its presentation.
• Fresh lemon zest – Adding extra grated lemon zest on top provides a pop of color and reinforces that refreshing citrus flavor.
• Mint leaves – A few fresh mint leaves alongside your bread make for an elegant garnish that brightens up the plate.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt with honey – Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey complements the sweetness of the bread while adding protein for a balanced snack.
• Fruit salad – A side of mixed fresh fruits (think strawberries, kiwi, and oranges) brightens up your plate and adds refreshing flavors that pair beautifully with lemon.
• Herbal tea or lemonade – A warm cup of herbal tea or a cool glass of lemonade enhances the refreshing citrus notes in the bread, making for a delightful pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream or sorbet – For dessert lovers, serving slices of this bread warm with vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Lemon Blueberry Bread! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some tips for storing and preserving your delicious loaf:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm slices in a toaster or microwave.
• For a cozy touch, pop slices into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Blueberry Bread:

Can I use frozen blueberries for Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them straight into the batter.

How do I make my Lemon Blueberry Bread extra moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure you don’t overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Adding a bit more lemon juice or zest can also boost flavor and moisture.

What should I do if my Lemon Blueberry Bread sinks in the middle?

If your bread sinks, it might be due to underbaking or too much liquid. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and that you measure ingredients accurately.

Can Lemon Blueberry Bread be made gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delightful.

How long does Lemon Blueberry Bread last?

When stored properly at room temperature, this bread lasts about 3 days. In the fridge, you can enjoy it for up to a week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Lemon Blueberry Bread as much as I do! The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates a wonderfully comforting treat that’s perfect any time of day. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll love it too! Happy baking!