There's nothing like the fresh, zesty flavor of Lemon Blueberry Bread to brighten up your day. This quick bread is loaded with juicy blueberries and bursts of lemon, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack. The smell of lemon and sweet blueberries baking in the oven is absolutely irresistible, filling your kitchen with a welcoming warmth.
I first made this recipe when I had an abundance of blueberries and lemons on hand, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful flavor balance that’s hard to resist. Let's dive into what makes this Lemon Blueberry Bread so special!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this moist, flavorful bread. Lemon Blueberry Bread isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make, with only a few simple steps between you and this scrumptious treat.
First off, this bread has the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The lemon zest and fresh blueberries work together to create a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
You’ll love how moist and tender this bread is. Thanks to a combination of Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice, each slice stays soft and flavorful, even after a couple of days.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a breakfast treat, a mid-morning snack, or even as dessert. And if you’re making it for a gathering, watch it disappear in no time – it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Best of all, this recipe is super easy and can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe is sure to become a go-to!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Lemon Blueberry Bread lies in its fresh, simple ingredients, each one adding to the delightful texture and flavor of the finished loaf.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice: The zest brings in the essential oils from the lemon peel, packing in that bright, citrusy flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds an extra punch of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Fresh blueberries: While you can use frozen blueberries, fresh ones work best here as they’re less likely to bleed into the batter. They also add bursts of sweetness in every bite, making each slice irresistibly delicious.
- Greek yogurt: This ingredient keeps the bread moist without making it too dense. It also gives a subtle tang that enhances the lemon flavor. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works as a great substitute.
- All-purpose flour: For structure, plain all-purpose flour works best in this recipe. It keeps the bread light and fluffy while providing enough stability to hold up the juicy blueberries.
- Granulated sugar: Adding just the right amount of sweetness, granulated sugar balances the tartness from the lemon juice. You could try a mix of white and brown sugar if you prefer a slightly deeper flavor.
Special Equipment
All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and a zesting tool for the lemon zest. A hand or stand mixer can also be helpful for ensuring the batter is perfectly smooth.
How To Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread
Creating this Lemon Blueberry Bread is simple, with just a few steps separating you from a warm, homemade treat.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. This ensures that your bread won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden-brown.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest, rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingers. This releases the lemon oils, infusing the sugar with citrus flavor. Add in the Greek yogurt, eggs, and lemon juice and whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread. Once the batter is just combined, carefully fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, feel free to add a simple lemon glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice and drizzle over the top for an extra burst of flavor and sweetness.
Storage Options
Storing your Lemon Blueberry Bread is easy and keeps it fresh for days.
- Room Temperature: Store your cooled bread in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. The bread will stay moist and flavorful, perfect for grabbing a slice whenever you want.
- Refrigerator: If you’d like it to last a bit longer, place it in the refrigerator. This will keep the bread fresh for about a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Your Lemon Blueberry Bread can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, let a slice thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is versatile enough to handle a few twists and adjustments. Here are some ideas to try:
- Add a Streusel Topping: If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, add a streusel topping. Simply combine flour, sugar, and butter, and sprinkle it over the top of the batter before baking.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that is 1:1 with regular flour to maintain the same texture.
- Swap Blueberries for Another Berry: While blueberries are delicious, raspberries or blackberries can also work beautifully in this recipe, bringing in their unique flavors.
- Add Almond Extract: Adding a teaspoon of almond extract can create a lovely almond flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Bread: For a bit of texture and flavor, add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter. It’s a delicious twist that adds a slight crunch and more depth to each slice.
Experiment with different versions to find your favorite take on this Lemon Blueberry Bread. Enjoy the endless possibilities and the delightful results!
PrintLemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
This lemon blueberry bread recipe brings together the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a perfectly balanced and moist loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert. With fresh lemon zest and juicy blueberries, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of refreshing, natural flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Add lemon zest and juice.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in blueberries gently. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Toss blueberries in a bit of flour before folding in to prevent them from sinking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
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