Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a treat that’s zesty, sweet, and beams with flavor in every bite, Lemon Blueberry Bread is about to become your new favorite. Each slice boasts a feather-light crumb dotted with blueberries and a bright burst of lemon, all finished off with a glossy, tangy lemon glaze. It’s delightful as a dessert, superb for brunch, and makes for an irresistibly cheery snack with afternoon tea. This loaf isn’t just gorgeous to look at — it’s easier to whip up than you might think, and so delicious, you’ll want to bake it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Blueberry Bread lies in its straightforward ingredients; each one is carefully chosen to create the perfect texture, brightness, and pop of color. Don’t skip a single element, because it all comes together for a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and truly special.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing just the right structure for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully, making it light instead of dense.
• Salt: A small amount sharpens every flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, subtle flavor and keeps the loaf extra moist.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps achieve a soft texture.
• Eggs: These bind the batter and provide structure for that lovely, airy rise.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla highlights the blueberries and lemon.
• Fresh grated lemon zest: Delivers vibrant citrus aroma and flavor throughout the loaf.
• Fresh lemon juice: Offers tangy brightness and takes both the batter and glaze to the next level.
• Milk: Keeps everything tender and ensures a soft, moist crumb.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries: Juicy blueberries add color and a pop of tartness in every slice; fresh is fabulous, but frozen works too.
• Extra all-purpose flour for berries: Tossing berries in a touch of flour prevents them from sinking during baking.
• For the Lemon Glaze:
  • Butter, melted: Gives the glaze a silky richness.
  • Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, making it smooth and sweet.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tart kick that soaks into the loaf beautifully.
  • Vanilla extract: Subtly rounds out the flavors in the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, making sure it’s nicely heated for an even bake. Line a standard 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or give it a good buttery grease. This step ensures your Lemon Blueberry Bread won’t stick, so your beautiful loaf comes out in one piece.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re evenly combined. Set this bowl aside; getting the dry ingredients properly mixed now makes for a smooth, lump-free batter later.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a reliable hand mixer), blend the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and the batter looks pale and smooth — this is where the flavor comes alive!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Turn your mixer to low and add the flour mixture and milk in two batches: some flour, then some milk, then repeat. Mix only until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so once you see the last streaks of flour disappear, stop your mixer and grab a spatula.

Step 5: Prepare the Blueberries

Gently rinse your blueberries (if fresh) so they’re a tad moist, then toss them in 1 tablespoon of flour to coat. This old baker’s trick keeps the berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf as it bakes, ensuring an even distribution of fruity goodness in every slice.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Add the flour-coated blueberries to your batter and quickly, but gently, fold them in by hand. Don’t overmix — just a few turns until the berries are nestled throughout the batter. This helps keep the Lemon Blueberry Bread tender and prevents bursting berries.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top will be golden and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 8: Glaze the Loaf

While the bread is still warm but not hot, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the loaf, letting it seep into the cracks and run down the sides. The glaze sets quickly, locking in that lemony brightness you’ll crave in every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Blueberry Bread truly pop, try garnishing with extra lemon zest grated over the glaze. Fresh blueberries scattered on top add color and charm, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a classic bakery finish. A few mint leaves also add an attractive, aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

This bread is wonderful on its own, but turns into a brunch showstopper alongside a fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or a big mug of coffee or tea. For a more decadent treat, serve with whipped cream or a dollop of lemon curd — the combination is pure joy!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the bread and arrange it in a fan pattern on a pretty platter. Wrap individual slices in parchment for grab-and-go breakfasts, or cut into cubes and skewer with fresh blueberries for a cheerful party snack. You can even layer slices with mascarpone and berries for a quick dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lemon Blueberry Bread moist, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, but can last up to 4 days if refrigerated — though odds are it’ll be devoured long before then!

Freezing

Lemon Blueberry Bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the fresh-from-the-oven aroma and soft crumb – perfect for those cozy mornings when you want a touch of sunshine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. There’s no need to thaw them — simply toss them in flour as you would with fresh berries, and gently fold into the batter. This ensures your Lemon Blueberry Bread will be just as delicious and visually appealing.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

A microplane or fine grater is the kitchen’s secret weapon here. Lightly grate only the yellow skin, rotating the lemon as you go — avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest makes the citrus flavor in this bread shine brightly.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for the best texture; your Lemon Blueberry Bread will turn out just as moist and tender as the classic version.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Definitely. To make two loaves, simply double all ingredients and mix as directed. Divide the batter evenly between two pans and bake; check doneness with a toothpick, as baking time may vary slightly with two loaves in the oven.

Why coat the blueberries in flour?

Coating the blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking during baking and helps distribute them more evenly throughout the bread. This simple step guarantees beautiful pockets of blueberries in every bite of your Lemon Blueberry Bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about baking and sharing a loaf of Lemon Blueberry Bread, especially when the kitchen fills with sunny, citrusy aromas. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet slice for breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, this bread is sure to bring smiles. Give it a try — you might just find it becomes one of your all-time favorites, too!

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