Lemon Blueberry Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Bread is the ideal blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and soft, moist texture. The lemon adds a refreshing zing that contrasts beautifully with the sweet burst of blueberries in every bite. It’s easy to make, requires only a few basic ingredients, and fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes. This bread is not only delicious but also versatile—it can be served as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even as a light dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)

• Optional glaze: 1/4 cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

5. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

6. Fold in the blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to break them up too much. If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them to prevent bleeding into the batter.

7. Pour into pan and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

8. Cool and glaze (optional): Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. Be sure to check if the flour blend includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

• Add-ins: You can add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter along with the blueberries for a lemon poppy seed variation.

• Zesty Lemon: Increase the amount of lemon zest to 2 tablespoons for an even more intense lemon flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just fold them into the batter directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the bread.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread stays fresh for a few days when stored properly. You can make it the night before or a few days ahead, and it will still be moist and flavorful.

3. Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk or make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.

4. Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?

Yes, you can substitute the blueberries with other fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. You can also use chopped stone fruit like peaches or plums for a seasonal variation.

5. How do I make the bread more moist?

To ensure the bread stays moist, be careful not to overmix the batter, and make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly. Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry loaf.

6. Can I make a mini loaf?

Yes, you can use mini loaf pans. Just reduce the baking time to around 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

7. Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

8. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?

Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the bread as it bakes.

9. Can I add a lemon glaze to the bread?

Yes, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top of the bread for added sweetness and a nice finishing touch.

10. How can I make the bread fluffier?

For fluffier bread, ensure you’re not overmixing the batter, and avoid pressing the batter down when transferring it to the pan. Adding a little extra baking powder or using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can also improve the texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Bread is a fresh and delightful treat that combines the tang of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert, this bread is easy to make and guaranteed to please anyone who loves vibrant, fruity flavors. With the option of adding a simple glaze, this loaf becomes even more indulgent. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or later in the week, it’s a comforting and delicious treat for any occasion.