There's nothing like a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread to brighten up your day. This sweet, tangy loaf is packed with juicy blueberries and a refreshing lemon flavor that makes each bite feel like a little piece of sunshine. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
I first whipped up this recipe on a rainy weekend, trying to use up a surplus of blueberries. Since then, it’s become a staple in my baking routine – a comforting and easy treat that always satisfies.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Lemon Blueberry Bread. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.
This recipe is wonderfully moist, thanks to a combination of oil and yogurt. No more dry or crumbly bread – each slice is soft and tender, making it perfect for any time of day.
The lemon zest and juice add a burst of bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. The result is a beautifully balanced bread that isn’t too sweet, making it just right for breakfast or a snack.
Best of all, it’s a one-bowl recipe! With minimal dishes to wash and straightforward instructions, it’s ideal for both beginner bakers and busy schedules.
This bread also stores beautifully, so you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it all week long. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly – just slice it up, freeze, and reheat when you’re ready for a delicious treat.
Ingredients Notes
This Lemon Blueberry Bread uses simple ingredients that come together to create a show-stopping loaf. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.
Flour – All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, giving the bread a soft structure. For a slightly lighter option, you could substitute half with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly denser.
Lemon zest and juice – Fresh lemon zest and juice are key to that refreshing citrusy flavor. Make sure to zest the lemon before you cut and juice it, as it’s much easier to handle this way.
Blueberries – Fresh blueberries work best here, but frozen can also be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to add them frozen, as thawed berries may bleed too much into the batter.
Greek yogurt – This ingredient keeps the bread super moist and tender. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream makes a good substitute with similar results.
Sugar – Granulated sugar adds the right level of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the lemon. You could experiment with a little less sugar if you prefer a slightly less sweet bread.
Oil – A mild oil like vegetable or canola works best, adding moisture without overwhelming the flavors. If you prefer, melted coconut oil is a good alternative, lending a subtle hint of coconut.
You’ll also need a loaf pan, parchment paper, and a grater or zester for the lemon.
How To Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Making this Lemon Blueberry Bread couldn’t be easier, and you’ll be rewarded with a fragrant, golden loaf in just a few simple steps.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bread out of the pan when it’s done.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This helps ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you a nice, even rise.
In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients: sugar, yogurt, oil, lemon zest, and juice. Whisk them until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Gently fold the berries into the batter to avoid crushing them.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is easy to store, so you can enjoy it over a few days or even freeze it for future snacking.
To keep it fresh at room temperature, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist for about 2-3 days on the counter.
For longer storage, place the bread in the fridge. It will last up to a week this way, and the cool temperature helps keep it fresh. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
If you’d like to freeze the bread, slice it first for easy, grab-and-go portions. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be enjoyed for up to 3 months; just let them thaw on the counter or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.
Variations and Substitutions
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a dairy-free version, swap out the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. It’ll still add the same moisture and texture.
If you’re in the mood for extra citrus, try adding a bit of orange zest along with the lemon zest. It brings an extra layer of brightness that’s truly delicious.
Want to make it a little healthier? Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or add a tablespoon of chia seeds for a slight crunch and fiber boost.
For added sweetness and texture, sprinkle a little raw sugar on top of the batter before baking. This creates a lovely, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
Don’t have fresh blueberries? Substitute with raspberries or blackberries for a fun twist. Just be aware that some berries are juicier than others and may slightly change the texture.
Experiment with add-ins like a handful of chopped nuts or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Both add warmth and depth, enhancing the bread’s flavor.
Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and making this Lemon Blueberry Bread your own! No matter how you make it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for its bright flavors and irresistible texture.
PrintLemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe combines zesty lemon and juicy blueberries in a tender, moist loaf. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is easy to make and packed with flavor. Lemon and blueberry lovers will adore this bakery-style treat with a bright, refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
- Optional: 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoon lemon juice for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture to prevent sinking.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Notes
- To prevent blueberries from sinking, coat them lightly with flour.
- For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest or juice to the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
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