If you’re looking for a bright, flavorful treat that feels like sunshine baked into every slice, this Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, wrapped in a tender, moist crumb that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread brings a burst of fresh fruit and citrus flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe is in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that tender texture, vibrant color, and the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make this bread so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread structure and softness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lemon.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, keeping it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provide richness and help bind everything together.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon zest.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted, slightly cooled): Contributes to a tender crumb and golden crust.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Packs in fresh, aromatic lemon oil essential to the bright flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings a lively citrus zing to every bite.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness that balance perfectly with the tart lemon.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan to ensure your bread will come out easily after baking. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly baked bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This creates an even base that will help the bread rise evenly and taste delicious.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mixing these thoroughly ensures a smooth batter packed with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold fresh blueberries into the wet mixture so they stay whole and don’t burst prematurely. This careful folding keeps the color beautiful and the blueberries evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can make the bread tough, so go slow and stop as soon as no flour pockets remain.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of lemon and blueberries filling your kitchen is a treat all on its own!
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack so it cools completely. This step is key to slice the bread cleanly without crumbling.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and extra zing to your Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe. Fresh lemon slices or a few fresh blueberries on the side can make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This vibrant bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon snack. For brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or cottage cheese topped with honey and nuts for a balanced, satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly for a crunchy edge. Spread with mascarpone or cream cheese and drizzle with honey for an elegant twist. You can also cube the loaf to use in a fresh fruit bread pudding or layered parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This lemon blueberry bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better as they meld, making leftovers a delicious treat.
Freezing
To enjoy even longer, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop for a few hours.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that just-baked freshness. Adding a pat of butter or cream cheese while warm makes the bread even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter. Gently toss them in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the bread and adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with lemon. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes before use.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk alternative mixed with lemon juice, and use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead of regular butter.
How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?
Coating blueberries with a light dusting of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the bread instead of sinking to the bottom.
What’s the best way to slice this bread?
Use a serrated knife and slice gently with a sawing motion to avoid squashing the soft crumb and bursting the blueberries. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this lively, fresh Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe. It’s the kind of homemade treat that brings smiles and comfort with every bite. So grab your ingredients, bake a loaf, and share the joy of this wonderfully flavorful bread with family and friends—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delightful Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe featuring moist and tangy bread packed with fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this quick bread combines the zest of lemon with juicy blueberries in a tender crumb, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted, slightly cooled)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the two large eggs, buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the wet ingredient mixture to evenly disperse them without crushing the berries.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled to prevent cooking the eggs when mixing.
- Use fresh blueberries for best texture, but frozen blueberries can be substituted; do not thaw before adding.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- If you like a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest slightly.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
