Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

If you love bright, sunny desserts that strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, you’re in for a treat with this Lemon Blueberry Bread. It’s soft, moist, bursting with juicy blueberries, and finished with an irresistible lemon glaze that’ll have everyone reaching for a second slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I adore this Lemon Blueberry Bread is how the simple, down-to-earth ingredients come together to make something so special. Each one is there for a reason, bringing flavor, moisture, and that eye-catching golden crumb.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, creating a soft and sturdy crumb that holds up to those juicy berries.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread its lovely rise and ensures it stays light and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough to highlight the citrus and fruit without being over-the-top.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the loaf beautifully soft.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb extra moist (yes, moister than butter!), even days later.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the bread structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy depth that plays so well with the lemon.
• Lemon juice and zest: The stars of the show! These bring that unmistakable zing and sunny color.
• Fresh blueberries: Sweet, juicy bursts in every bite—use the best, most plump berries you can find.
• Icing sugar & lemon juice (for glaze): This simple glaze ties everything together with an extra hit of citrus sparkle.

Variations

Feel free to make this Lemon Blueberry Bread entirely your own—it loves a good makeover! Use what you have on hand or tailor it to your family’s favorite flavors and dietary needs.

• Swap the berries: Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix if blueberries aren’t in season, or even use frozen—no need to thaw!
• Make it dairy-free: Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) for a completely dairy-free treat that’s just as tender.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need to avoid gluten, and nobody will be the wiser.
• Add a crumble topping: Sprinkle your favorite streusel or oat crumb on top before baking for a bakery-style finish and an extra hit of texture.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by turning your oven to 350°F so it’s piping hot and ready when your batter is. Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan—just a spritz of cooking spray or a smear of oil is all you need. Line with a parchment paper sling if you’d like super easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This step is key to distributing the baking powder and ensuring your Lemon Blueberry Bread rises evenly every time.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. You should see flecks of vivid yellow from the zest—yum! This mixture brings all the brightness and moisture your loaf needs.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together (Don’t Overmix!)

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, and gently fold with a rubber spatula until you don’t see any streaks of flour. It’s okay if a few lumps remain. Overmixing is the enemy of tender quick breads, so err on the side of under—especially before adding your berries.

Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries

Take one cup of your blueberries and fold them delicately into the batter, being careful not to smoosh them. The remainder will be sprinkled on top for an extra pop of color and texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries over the batter for that bakery-style look. Bake for about 55 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool, Glaze, and Enjoy

Let your Lemon Blueberry Bread rest in its pan for 10-15 minutes, then gently remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, stir icing sugar with lemon juice until pourable and dreamy—then drizzle over the cooled bread. Let it set (if you can wait!), then slice and dig in.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

Garnishes

This bread is stunning all on its own, but a drizzle of the glossy lemon glaze adds a touch of elegance and an extra punch of citrus. For a final flourish, sprinkle over some extra lemon zest or a handful of fresh blueberries right before serving—simple touches that truly pop!

Side Dishes

Pair a thick slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread with a mug of steaming coffee or herbal tea for the ultimate mid-morning treat. It’s also wonderful next to creamy yogurt or a light fruit salad for a bright, refreshing brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your bread and arranging it on a beautiful wooden board, accompanied by fresh berries and edible flowers for a spring brunch. Or, cut into small cubes and serve as part of a dessert platter with whipped cream and lemon curd for a playful, shareable dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Blueberry Bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days—it stays moist and delicious, especially if you wait to glaze until just before serving.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Just wrap it well in plastic and foil (without the glaze, if possible), then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for several hours at room temperature for bread that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

Refresh individual slices by gently warming them for 10–15 seconds in the microwave, or toast them lightly—so dreamy when the blueberries get extra jammy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bright, homey, and absolutely crowd-pleasing, give this Lemon Blueberry Bread a whirl. It’s one of those easy bakes you’ll want to keep on repeat, perfect for sharing or sneaking a slice yourself. Happy baking, and be sure to let every citrusy, berry-filled bite remind you just how simple and joyful homemade can be!

Print