Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of citrus and sweet blueberries, then you’ve come to the right place! Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is one of my absolute favorites. It’s moist, bursting with fruity goodness, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze that will have your taste buds singing. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast, a family gathering, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this bread fits perfectly into any occasion.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up. You can make it in just over an hour, and the smell of it baking fills your home with warmth and comfort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those fresh spring and summer berries. Trust me; once you try this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll find this recipe quick and straightforward.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The delicious combination of lemon and blueberry makes it a hit with both kids and adults!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This bread keeps well for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or planned gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread. Gather them up, and let’s get baking!

For the Bread

• 1 cup butter, salted
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 cups blueberries – tossed in 2 teaspoons flour

For the Lemon Syrup

• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Glaze

• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Variations

One of the best things about this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or pantry supplies.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Try Different Berries: Substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a fun twist.
• Make It Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins instead of loaf pans for quick individual servings.
• Infuse with Herbs: A hint of fresh rosemary or thyme can add a unique flavor dimension.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Butter and flour two 10-inch loaf pans well. This step is crucial because it prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden crust we all love.

Step 3: Cream Together Sugar, Butter, and Zest

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and lemon zest until light and fluffy—about 4-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture which gives your bread that lovely light texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually

Next, add in the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition until fully combined. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour in the vanilla extract and milk. Mix until just combined. This ensures that all our wet ingredients are well incorporated before adding dry ones.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and baking powder in another bowl. Slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; we want that tender crumb!

Step 7: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon. The flour coating on them helps keep them from sinking during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared loaf pans. Bake for about 55-60 minutes until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Make Lemon Syrup

While your loaves are baking, prepare the lemon syrup by combining lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until slightly thickened—this will enhance that delicious burst of citrus flavor!

Step 10: Cool & Brush with Syrup

Once baked, let your loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. After cooling another 10 minutes, poke holes gently across the tops using a skewer—this allows that sweet syrup to soak in beautifully!

Step 11: Glaze

Finally, whisk together sifted powdered sugar with remaining lemon juice until smooth to create your glaze. Pour it generously over cooled loaves before slicing into them!

Now you’re ready to enjoy every slice of this delightful Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Baking is a delightful journey, and with these pro tips, your Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread will turn out even better!

• Use fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor and texture. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but they may release more moisture into the batter, affecting the final bread’s consistency.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and leads to a fluffy texture in the final loaf.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the flour and blueberries keeps your bread tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light, airy one you desire.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary! Start checking your bread a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing the loaves to cool fully prevents the glaze from melting away. A properly set glaze adds that beautiful finish and delicious sweetness!

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

This delightful bread is perfect for various occasions, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Let’s explore some fantastic ways to present this zesty treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and enhances the sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Adding some freshly grated lemon zest on top not only looks appealing but also amplifies that lovely citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A side of creamy Greek yogurt pairs beautifully with this bread. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the blueberries perfectly!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries and melon balances out the richness of the bread while adding a vibrant color to your plate.
• Herbal tea: Serve slices alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, which enhances relaxation and makes for an inviting brunch setting.
• Scrambled eggs: For a hearty breakfast option, serve with fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs. The savory contrast works wonderfully with sweet lemon blueberry bread.

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply enjoyed on its own. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! It’s an excellent option to make ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its refreshing flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the bread on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• You can also microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread.

Can I use frozen blueberries in Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Absolutely! Just toss them in flour as you would with fresh blueberries. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Consider adding more lemon zest or even a touch of lemon extract for an extra burst of citrus flavor!

Can I substitute ingredients in Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Yes! You can use applesauce instead of butter or non-dairy milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just ensure the consistency remains similar.

What should I serve with Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be served with whipped coconut cream for an indulgent dessert!

Final Thoughts

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread truly shines with its moist texture and zesty flavor, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast table or afternoon snack. I hope you find joy in making this recipe and that it brings a smile to your face with every slice. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!