Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

There's something truly delightful about Lemon Blueberry Bread. The fresh, zesty aroma of lemon and the sweetness of juicy blueberries create an irresistible combination that fills your kitchen as it bakes. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread has a soft, moist crumb that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first discovered this recipe when I wanted a simple, homemade treat that didn't take hours in the kitchen. It's become a family favorite, especially during blueberry season, and now, no brunch spread feels complete without it.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Get ready to add this easy, delicious bread recipe to your list of go-tos. This Lemon Blueberry Bread is loaded with flavor, yet so simple to make!

First, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Fresh blueberries burst with sweetness, while the lemon adds just the right amount of zestiness, giving you that bright, refreshing flavor in every bite.

This recipe is quick and foolproof. With just a few basic ingredients and some fresh fruit, you can have this bread mixed and in the oven in under 15 minutes. Ideal for when you need a treat but are short on time.

It’s a great make-ahead option too. This bread keeps well for several days, and the flavors only deepen with time. You can bake it the day before and serve it at its best the next morning.

Best of all, it’s versatile! While it’s perfect as-is, you can play around with add-ins or even make it gluten-free if needed. This bread easily adapts to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Lemon Blueberry Bread has been carefully chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this bread so special.

Fresh blueberries are the star here, adding little pockets of sweetness. If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen ones work as well. Just don’t thaw them before adding, or they might turn the batter blue.

Lemon zest and juice give the bread its refreshing, tangy flavor. For the best results, use fresh lemons, as the zest is where a lot of the lemony aroma comes from. You’ll need about one large lemon for this recipe.

All-purpose flour provides the structure. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well here.

Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture, keeping the bread soft without making it too dense. This also gives a slight tang that complements the lemon.

Sugar adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the lemon and berries. Granulated sugar works best, but you could experiment with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.

If you have a loaf pan and a good zester, you're set to go! A microplane is perfect for zesting lemons without reaching the bitter white pith.

How to Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Creating this Lemon Blueberry Bread is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s how to make it from start to finish.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. You want the pan fully coated to prevent sticking and to make it easy to remove the loaf later.

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside, as mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: sugar, Greek yogurt or sour cream, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined. This step brings out the lemon flavor and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the bread dense. Carefully fold in the blueberries, so they stay whole and don't bleed too much into the batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel springy to the touch. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

Lemon Blueberry Bread stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh.

If you plan to eat it within two days, store the bread at room temperature. Wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, so it actually tastes even better after a day or two.

You can also freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave as needed.

When reheating, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will bring back that fresh-baked texture. If you prefer a toasty, slightly crisp exterior, pop a slice in the toaster oven instead.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

For a little extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the batter. They pair well with the flavors of lemon and blueberry and add a delightful texture.

If you want an even richer flavor, swap in a touch of brown sugar for half of the white sugar. This gives the bread a hint of caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.

To make this bread gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. This should yield similar results, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

For those looking to reduce sugar, try replacing some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these are liquid sweeteners, so you may need to slightly reduce the yogurt or sour cream.

Lastly, if lemon isn’t your favorite, consider swapping it for orange zest and juice. The bread will still have that refreshing citrus flavor but with a slightly sweeter, less tart twist.

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is deliciously versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a smear of butter, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home.

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