Did You Know 73% of Home Bakers Avoid Fruit Breads Because They Think They’re Too Complicated?
If you’re part of that statistic, I’ve got wonderful news for you. This Best Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe is about to change everything. With just one bowl and simple pantry staples, you’ll create a moist, citrus-kissed loaf bursting with juicy berries—no fancy techniques or kitchen gadgets required.
I remember the first time I baked this bread on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The way the tangy lemon zest danced with plump blueberries made my kitchen smell like a sunlit orchard. My husband wandered in, drawn by the aroma, and declared it “better than any bakery.” That’s when I knew this recipe was special.
What makes this lemon blueberry bread truly exceptional? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The crumb stays incredibly tender thanks to a secret ingredient (hint: it’s probably already in your fridge), while the lemon glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance the berries’ natural tartness.
Best of all? This recipe is practically foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easily it comes together. Let me show you why this has become my most requested recipe among friends and family—the one they beg me to bring to every brunch and bake sale.
Why This Lemon Blueberry Bread Will Become Your New Favorite
After testing dozens of variations, I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver consistent results every time. Here’s what sets it apart:
- One-bowl wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your creation
- Bright citrus flavor: Uses both lemon juice and zest for maximum zing
- Juicy berry distribution: My special folding technique prevents sinking
- Perfect texture: Moist without being dense, with a delicate crumb
As the seasons change, this lemon blueberry bread has become my go-to for everything from Easter brunches to summer picnics. There’s something magical about how the cheerful yellow crumb dotted with purple berries seems to capture sunshine in every slice.
PrintLemon Blueberry Bread
- Author: Trusted Blog
Description
A moist and flavorful bread with the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating blueberries)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
The Best Lemon Blueberry Bread – A Slice of Sunshine
There’s something magical about the pairing of tart lemon and juicy blueberries—it’s like summer captured in a loaf. This lemon blueberry bread is tender, bursting with flavor, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being overwhelming. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet breakfast on the go, it never disappoints.
Ingredients You’;ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our bread. I like to spoon and level the flour to avoid packing too much in, which keeps the texture light.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Our little lift for that perfect rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature is key here! It creams beautifully with the sugar for a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the bright lemon and berries.
- 2 large eggs – Always best at room temperature for even mixing.
- ½ cup whole milk – Adds richness, but you can substitute with buttermilk for a slight tang.
- Zest of 2 lemons – This is where the magic happens! The zest packs so much flavor without the bitterness of the pith.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A warm undertone that complements the citrus.
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries – If using frozen, don’t thaw them first—just toss in a bit of flour to prevent sinking.
Let’s Bake This Beauty
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. A light dusting of flour or a parchment sling ensures easy release later—trust me, no one wants a stuck loaf!
- Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so no surprise pockets of baking powder in your slice.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with a hand mixer. Scrape down the sides as needed. This step is crucial for that tender crumb!
- Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The batter will smell heavenly already.
- Alternate dry and wet. Gently fold in half the flour mixture, followed by the milk, then the remaining flour. Stir just until combined—overmixing leads to a tough loaf.
- Fold in the blueberries. Toss the berries with a teaspoon of flour (this helps prevent sinking), then gently fold them into the batter. A few streaks of flour are okay!
Now, pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few extra blueberries on top for a bakery-worthy finish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread
Every baker has their little secrets, and after making this bread countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time:
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs, butter, and milk sit out for 30 minutes before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Flour your blueberries: Toss fresh blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Zest first, juice later: Always zest your lemons before juicing them – it’s much easier this way!
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the bread tender.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up:
- Lemon poppyseed blueberry: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppyseeds to the batter for extra crunch.
- Glazed version: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice) after baking.
- Muffin adaptation: Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes for perfect portable treats.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
What to Serve With Your Lemon Blueberry Bread
This bread is delicious on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:
- A hot cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee
- A dollop of lemon curd or whipped cream for extra indulgence
- Fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful breakfast presentation
- Vanilla ice cream for a simple yet impressive dessert
The Wonderful Benefits of This Recipe
Beyond being absolutely delicious, this lemon blueberry bread has some great benefits:
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep!
- Crowd-pleaser: Equally loved by kids and adults, making it ideal for brunches and potlucks.
- Seasonally flexible: Use fresh blueberries in summer or frozen in winter – it works year-round.
- Nutrient boost: Blueberries add antioxidants while lemon provides vitamin C.
Real-Life Tips From My Kitchen to Yours
After making this recipe dozens of times, here are my hard-earned lessons:
- If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them first – just toss them in frozen to prevent color bleeding.
- The bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean, but don’t overbake or it will dry out.
- Let it cool completely before slicing for clean cuts – the hardest but most important step!
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
I hope these tips help you create the most delicious lemon blueberry bread imaginable. There’s something so comforting about the combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries in a tender, moist loaf. It’s become a staple in my home, and I have a feeling it will in yours too!
Conclusion
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet, juicy berries—a treat that’s as delightful for breakfast as it is for dessert. With its moist crumb, zesty glaze, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade treat, this loaf delivers every time.
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch, share a slice with someone you love, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more easy, delicious recipes, check out our baking collection for more inspiration. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just fine—no need to thaw them. Just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
How do I store this bread to keep it fresh?
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the lemon glaze?
Of course! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra burst of lemon flavor. If you prefer a less sweet option, try a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Why did my blueberries sink to the bottom?
This can happen if the batter is too thin or the berries aren’t coated in flour. Make sure your batter is thick and gently fold in the blueberries after dusting them with a tablespoon of flour.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin (filled about ¾ full) and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Perfect for grab-and-go treats!