Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe: A Burst of Citrus and Berry Flavor in Every Slice

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Lemon blueberry bread is a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that combines

bright citrus flavor

with juicy, sweet blueberries. It’s a moist and tender quick bread, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and always a favorite at brunches or afternoon teas. With a straightforward preparation and adaptable ingredients, this classic recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Moist Texture: Butter and milk create a soft, tender crumb.
• Zesty Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and juice add refreshing tartness.
• Juicy Blueberries: Bursting berries bring natural sweetness and pockets of flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Serve as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and basic steps make it beginner-friendly.

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Bread

This lemon blueberry bread uses staple pantry ingredients, with options for substitutions if needed. The keys are fresh lemon and blueberries for maximum flavor.

Ingredient	Role in Recipe	Tips/Substitutions
All-purpose flour	Structure, crumb texture	Measure carefully for best texture
Baking powder	Leavening, rise	Ensure it’s fresh
Salt	Enhances flavors	Balances sweetness and tartness
Butter, melted	Moisture and richness	Unsalted preferred, adjust salt if using salted
Granulated sugar	Sweetness	White sugar yields classic flavor
Eggs	Binding, structure	Room temperature for best incorporation
Vanilla extract	Flavor depth	Pure vanilla recommended
Lemon zest & juice	Citrus flavor	Use fresh for vibrant taste
Milk	Moisture	Dairy or non-dairy options both work
Blueberries	Main flavor component	Fresh or frozen; toss in flour to prevent sinking

Optional: Lemon glaze for a sweet, tangy finish (powdered sugar, lemon juice, butter, and vanilla extract).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Loaf Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Use the spoon and level method to measure flour for best texture.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, blend together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
• Mix until smooth, but do not overbeat—the mixture should be creamy.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Add flour mixture and milk to wet ingredients in two batches (flour, milk, flour, milk), mixing gently after each addition.
• Stop as soon as mixture is mostly combined.

5. Prepare Blueberries

• If using fresh blueberries, rinse and gently pat dry so they retain a touch of moisture.
• If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding.
• Toss berries in a tablespoon of flour: This keeps them from sinking in the batter.

6. Fold in Blueberries

• Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter by hand.
• Avoid overmixing to keep berries intact and bread tender.

7. Bake

• Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• If browning too quickly, tent lightly with foil for the last 15 minutes.

8. Cool

• Let bread cool in pan for 30 minutes.
• Carefully lift out and place on a wire rack.

9. Add Lemon Glaze (Optional)

• Whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla.
• Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let set for a few minutes.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until just combined to avoid dense, tough bread.
• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and better rise.
• Flour-Coated Blueberries: Prevents sinking and helps berries disperse evenly.
• Fresh Zest and Juice: Provides the brightest flavor.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test; if wet batter sticks, continue baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for breakfast with coffee or tea.
• Perfect at brunch, baby showers, or afternoon gatherings.
• Pair with fresh whipped cream, yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Toast leftover slices and spread with butter for a unique treat.

Customization Ideas

• Substitute lime or orange zest for lemon for a flavor twist.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for crunch.
• Use a dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make the bread plant-based.
• Mix in white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent variation.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice notes.

Nutrition Information (Per 1 slice, yields 8 slices)

Calories	~307
Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	43g
Sugar	21g
Protein	5g
Fiber	1g

How to Store Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Let loaf cool completely before storing.
• Wrap loosely in foil or plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months (wrap in plastic and foil before freezing).
• To serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently toast slices in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, toss them in flour before mixing into the batter to prevent sinking. Do not thaw frozen berries before adding.

What’s the ideal pan size for this recipe?

A 9×5-inch loaf pan is standard. If using a different size, adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, but check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk. Substitute flaxseed meal mixed with water for the eggs.

My bread sank or was soggy in the middle. What went wrong?

This can happen if the bread was underbaked or the batter had too much liquid. Always test with a toothpick and bake until the center is set.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If batter sticks, bake 5 minutes longer and retest.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The loaf is delicious on its own, but the lemon glaze adds sweetness and an extra hit of citrus flavor.

Expert Secrets for Success

• Measure carefully: Accurate flour and liquid measurements keep the texture moist but not heavy.
• Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest adds essential aromatic oils for true citrus flavor.
• Cool before slicing: Bread firms up as it cools, preventing crumbling or gummy texture.
• Let the glaze set: If using glaze, allow it to firm up for a neat finish.
• Double the recipe: If baking for a crowd, double the recipe and freeze a loaf for later.

Lemon Blueberry Bread Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Standard Amount	Function
All-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups	Structure
Baking powder	1 tsp	Leavening
Salt	1 tsp	Flavor enhancer
Butter (unsalted, melted)	1/3 cup	Moisture, richness
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Sweetener
Eggs	2	Binding, structure
Vanilla extract	1/2 tsp	Flavor depth
Lemon zest	2 tsp	Citrus flavor
Lemon juice	2 tbsp	Citrus flavor
Milk	1/2 cup	Moisture
Blueberries	1 cup	Fruit flavor
All-purpose flour (for berries)	1 tbsp	Prevent sinking

Pro Baking Tips

• Use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Zest before juicing for efficiency.
• Coat loaf pan with parchment or butter to avoid sticking.
• For additional tang, add a touch more lemon juice to the glaze.
• If adding nuts, toast before incorporating for best flavor.

Fun Serving Ideas

• Arrange slices with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for elegant presentation.
• Make mini loaves for gifting; adjust bake time (start checking at 30 minutes).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dry bread? Check oven temperature and don’t overbake. Use correct flour measurement.
• Dense loaf? Avoid overmixing. If using alternative flours, add a bit more baking powder.
• Sinking berries? Toss with flour and don’t skip this step.
• Bread stuck in pan? Line pan with parchment or let loaf cool longer before removing.

More FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

How do I reheat slices?

Microwave each slice briefly or warm in a toaster oven to restore texture.

Does this bread freeze well?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze loaf or individual slices for quick snacks.

In Summary

Lemon blueberry bread is a moist, flavorful loaf brimming with citrus and berry notes. Easy to prepare and universally loved, this bread works equally well for weekend baking projects, special occasions, or simple homemade treats. With endless variety in serving and customization, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.