Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread. It’s tender, moist, and bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite, balanced perfectly with a hint of fresh lemon.

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I first tried this recipe as a way to use up a surplus of blueberries, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s our go-to for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, and even dessert with a cup of tea. This bread is easy to make, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Let’s jump right in and see why this Lemon Blueberry Bread is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Get ready for a loaf that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Here’s why this recipe is worth a spot in your baking rotation:

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just one bowl and simple ingredients, this bread comes together in less than 15 minutes of prep time. Perfect for when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want a lot of fuss.

Flavor is on point. Fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of citrusy brightness that pairs so well with sweet blueberries. It’s the perfect mix of fresh, fruity flavors.

It’s a versatile treat. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast option, a snack, or a dessert, this bread hits the spot any time of day. You can even add a lemon glaze on top for a little extra indulgence.

Freeze it for later. Lemon blueberry bread freezes beautifully, so you can make a few loaves at once and save some for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the perfect lemon blueberry bread lies in quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the bread and keeps the texture light and fluffy. For a healthier option, you can replace part of it with whole wheat flour, though it will make the bread slightly denser.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest is essential for that bright, lemony flavor. One large lemon should be enough for both the zest and juice, but you can add extra zest if you like a stronger lemon taste.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen blueberries work well too! If using frozen, don’t thaw them; add directly to the batter to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the bread.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adding a little Greek yogurt or sour cream makes the bread extra moist and tender. It adds a subtle tang that complements the lemon beautifully.
• Butter: Using melted butter instead of oil gives the bread a richer flavor, though you can substitute oil if you prefer a slightly lighter texture.

If you have it, a microplane grater makes zesting the lemon easy and captures all those flavorful oils. A standard loaf pan (9x5 inches) works best for this recipe.

How to Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Here’s how to whip up this simple yet incredibly satisfying bread in a few easy steps.

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, and lightly dust it with flour. This helps prevent the bread from sticking, especially with the juicy blueberries.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted butter, ¾ cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon, followed by ½ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
4. Fold in the Blueberries: Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter, then gently fold them into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it warm, but letting it cool helps the flavors develop even more.

This Lemon Blueberry Bread takes about an hour to bake, but the aroma filling your kitchen is worth the wait!

Storage Options

This bread is perfect for making ahead or keeping on hand for a few days. Here’s how to store it:

• Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature or warm it up slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Lemon blueberry bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

For a freshly baked taste, pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds, and it’ll taste as good as new.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Add a Lemon Glaze: For extra sweetness and flavor, make a quick lemon glaze by combining 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Drizzle over the bread once it’s cooled for a bakery-style finish.
• Swap Berries: Try substituting raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for a fun twist. Each berry brings a unique flavor that pairs well with the lemon.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The bread may be a bit denser, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Healthier Version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar to ½ cup for a healthier take on the recipe. It’s still moist and flavorful, just slightly less sweet.
• Add Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts make a lovely addition. They add a nice crunch and complement the flavors of lemon and blueberry beautifully.

Conclousion

This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe is so versatile, and you’ll love discovering new combinations each time. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite add-ins!

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