There's nothing quite like a slice of fresh Lemon Blueberry Bread to brighten up your day. With its moist, fluffy texture and bursts of juicy blueberries, this quick bread is perfectly balanced by a hint of tangy lemon. It’s a sweet treat that’s just as delightful with your morning coffee as it is for an afternoon snack.
I first whipped up this recipe on a whim after picking blueberries one summer, and it's been a go-to ever since! The combination of lemon and blueberry is just so irresistible, and the best part is, this bread comes together with simple pantry staples.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Get ready to meet your new favorite homemade bread. This Lemon Blueberry Bread checks all the boxes for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. You don't need any fancy equipment or special skills, just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. Even beginner bakers can nail this recipe with ease!
The flavor is unbeatable. The zest of fresh lemon brings a bright, sunny flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy blueberries. Every bite is a blend of tangy and sweet, making it hard to stop at just one slice.
This bread is also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. You can enjoy it as is or add a quick glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Plus, it's freezer-friendly! Bake an extra loaf, wrap it well, and stash it in the freezer. You’ll have a delicious treat ready for any time the craving hits.
Ingredients Notes
The ingredients in this Lemon Blueberry Bread are simple but essential, each playing a part in creating the perfect flavor and texture.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour to keep the bread light and fluffy. If you want a slightly heartier loaf, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour, but stick to the original for a lighter result.
- Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add the best flavor and burst of juice to each bite. If using frozen, don’t thaw them first; toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: This is where the magic happens. The lemon zest infuses the batter with a citrusy aroma, while the juice adds a touch of tang. Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt keeps the bread moist and tender. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute sour cream for a similar effect.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect here for sweetness without overpowering the delicate lemon flavor.
No special equipment is required, but a zester for the lemon and a standard loaf pan are helpful!
How To Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Making this Lemon Blueberry Bread is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a homemade treat in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is fragrant and infused with lemon – this releases the oils and intensifies the lemon flavor.
Next, add the wet ingredients: eggs, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Finally, toss the blueberries with a little flour (this helps prevent them from sinking) and gently fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can drizzle a lemon glaze on top for an extra pop of sweetness!
Storage Options
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is easy to store and keeps well for several days.
- Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: To keep it fresh a bit longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter when ready to enjoy.
To reheat, just warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back its fresh-baked taste.
Variations and Substitutions
This bread is versatile and adapts well to different tweaks and flavor additions.
- Add a Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice for a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for a bit of extra sweetness.
- Try Different Berries: While blueberries are classic, raspberries or blackberries would also be delicious in this recipe. Just be sure to gently fold them in to keep the bread light.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for a bit of added texture. They pair beautifully with the lemon flavor.
- Use Lime Instead of Lemon: For a tropical twist, swap the lemon zest and juice with lime. It’s a unique flavor combination that’s equally refreshing.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The bread will be slightly denser, but the flavor is still wonderful.
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a deliciously simple recipe that’s easy to make your own. Whether you stick to the classic combination or experiment with fun variations, you’re sure to create a treat that everyone will love. Enjoy every slice!
PrintLemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe combines tangy lemon zest and juicy blueberries for a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this bread is easy to make and is bursting with fresh, fruity flavors. Keywords: Lemon Blueberry Bread, easy quick bread, blueberry loaf, lemon bread recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, tossed in a little flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven; it may vary slightly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
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