If you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and bursting with freshness, this Lemon Blueberry Bread might just become your new obsession. Imagine a golden, tender loaf studded with juicy blueberries and infused with bright citrus flavor—every bite brings together the cheerful taste of summer and the heartwarming comfort of home baking. Whether you’re sharing it over coffee with friends or sneaking a slice for yourself as an afternoon treat, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but delightful enough to impress anyone who gets a taste. Fans of homemade quick breads will swoon for this vibrant Lemon Blueberry Bread!

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Lemon Blueberry Bread plays a starring role in creating that perfect crumb and unforgettable flavor. These simple, everyday ingredients work together to deliver an irresistibly moist texture and lovely pockets of berry goodness.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the loaf, flour provides the bread’s structure and ensures a soft, moist bite.
Baking powder: This helps your bread rise beautifully, giving it that classic domed top.
Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors into balance and accentuates the lemon zest.
Unsalted butter (softened): Butter creates a rich, tender crumb and allows the citrus and berry flavors to shine.
Granulated sugar: The sugar sweetens the bread and enhances the natural tartness of the lemon and blueberries.
Eggs: Eggs bind the batter, add moisture, and contribute to the bread’s golden color.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile and rounds out the citrus notes.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice injects that bright tang you crave in every slice.
Lemon zest: Zest gives an incredible lemony aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Milk: Milk keeps the bread moist and delicate without making it heavy.
Fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tablespoon flour): Flour prevents the berries from sinking, ensuring juicy pops of blueberry throughout the loaf.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures your Lemon Blueberry Bread bakes evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, getting into all the corners so your loaf releases perfectly later. You can use butter or nonstick spray, whichever you prefer.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step helps the baking powder and salt distribute evenly throughout your loaf, so your bread rises nicely and each slice tastes just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl for the wet ingredients. Cream your softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air, giving you that dreamy, tender crumb that makes Lemon Blueberry Bread irresistible.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. You’ll immediately notice the bright citrus aroma wafting up—it’s the secret to that sunny flavor in every bite!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding your flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour. Gently fold each addition until just combined. This alternating method keeps your bread tender and fluffy, never dense.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Before adding the blueberries, toss them gently with a tablespoon of flour. This ensures the berries don’t sink to the bottom and stay suspended throughout the loaf. Fold the coated blueberries into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon Blueberry Bread Garnishes

Dress up your Lemon Blueberry Bread with a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, or top with a few extra fresh blueberries or even some thin lemon slices for a showstopper look.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, but it also pairs beautifully with vanilla yogurt or a bowl of mixed fresh fruit. For a brunch spread, serve it with scrambled eggs or a light salad to showcase its sweet-tart notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf, toasting it lightly, and spreading with a bit of softened butter for a delightful morning treat. For gatherings, cut the bread into cubes and serve with toothpicks as part of a dessert platter. Lemon Blueberry Bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift—just wrap in parchment and tie with a ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Lemon Blueberry Bread in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For best flavor and moisture, store it in an airtight container—a slice is just as delicious on day two!

Freezing

Need to make ahead? Once fully cooled, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you like your bread warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a toaster oven until just heated through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen blueberries work great in Lemon Blueberry Bread. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to avoid extra moisture and potential streaking.

My bread turned out too dense. What went wrong?

Dense bread is usually the result of overmixing or using old baking powder. Make sure to gently fold the ingredients just until combined and always check your leaveners are fresh for best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend. Double check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, too, for a perfect gluten-free Lemon Blueberry Bread.

How do I make a lemon glaze for topping?

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread. The glaze adds a sweet-tart finish that makes every slice pop!

Is it possible to use less sugar?

If you prefer a less sweet loaf, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup. Keep in mind your bread will taste more tart and the texture may be slightly less soft, but it will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the combination of zesty citrus and juicy berries in this classic Lemon Blueberry Bread. It’s a perfect treat to whip up for brunch, share with friends, or keep all to yourself (we won’t judge!). Give this cheery, easy loaf a try—you might find it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too!