Lemon Blueberry Bread

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Introduction

Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect fusion of bright citrus and juicy berries in a moist, soft loaf that’s bursting with fresh flavor. The tangy zing of lemon combines harmoniously with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a quick bread that feels refreshing and indulgent at the same time. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe when you’re craving something both comforting and vibrant.

What I adore most about this bread is the way it makes your kitchen smell while it bakes. The scent of fresh lemon zest and the sweetness of the blueberries mingling in the oven fills the air with such a warm, inviting aroma. I first made this bread on a sunny spring afternoon, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s the type of treat that brings joy with every slice, whether enjoyed alone or with a cup of your favorite beverage.

What makes this recipe so fantastic is its simplicity and versatility. You can add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture, swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries, or experiment with a glaze to make it even sweeter. Lemon Blueberry Bread is a wonderful way to showcase fresh fruit in your baking, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep making it—it’s absolutely delicious!

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Light snacks
  • Tea-time treats
  • Gifting during the holidays
  • A sweet pick-me-up on a busy day

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Lemon Blueberry Bread will become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Fresh and Fruity: Packed with blueberries, this bread offers a healthy burst of flavor with every bite.
  • Moist and Tender: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a wonderfully soft and tender bread.
  • Citrusy Zing: The lemon flavor gives this bread a bright and refreshing twist.
  • Easy to Make: No special equipment needed—just mix, pour, and bake.
  • Versatile Usage: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Servings: 10–12 slices
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Fiber: 2g, Vitamin C: 10% DV, Calcium: 4% DV

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk as a substitute)

Fruits and Flavorings:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (can use frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon flour (for coating the blueberries)

Ingredient Highlights:

  • Blueberries: Naturally sweet and packed with antioxidants, blueberries add vibrant color and a burst of flavor to the bread.
  • Lemon Zest & Juice: Brighten up the bread with refreshing citrus notes, balancing out the sweetness of the blueberries.
  • Sour Cream: Ensures the bread stays moist and tender while adding richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, lemon zest, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and combined.
  4. Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.

Fold and Bake:

  1. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this could lead to dense bread.
  2. Toss the Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking). Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter.
  3. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
  4. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the bread once it has completely cooled and serve.

How to Serve

  • With Butter: Serve warm with a little spread of butter for an extra treat.
  • As a Snack: Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee for a light and refreshing break.
  • For Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a satisfying brunch.
  • With Yogurt or Cream Cheese: Top with yogurt or spread cream cheese for an added richness.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best for this recipe, but frozen blueberries can be used as an alternative (do not thaw).
  • Prevent Blueberries from Sinking: Tossing the blueberries with flour helps keep them suspended in the batter while baking.
  • Add Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be folded into the batter for added texture.
  • Zesting the Lemon: For more citrus flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
  • Check for Doneness: Make sure to check the bread for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester, as oven temperatures may vary.

Recipe Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. This maintains the muffin’s texture and rise while ensuring it’s friendly for those avoiding gluten. Make sure to use a certified gluten-free baking powder, too!
  2. Sugar-Free Version: To cut out sugar but still enjoy a sweet muffin, replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. These substitutes provide sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spikes, making the muffins ideal for those on low-carb or keto diets.
  3. Vegan Version: For a dairy-free and egg-free alternative, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water to form a gel-like consistency (also called a “flax egg”). Swap out dairy ingredients like yogurt and milk with plant-based options such as almond or oat milk and coconut or almond yogurt. This vegan version will be just as fluffy and delicious as the original!
  4. Lemon-Blueberry Muffins: To infuse a refreshing citrusy note, add lemon zest to the batter along with the blueberries. Bake the mixture in muffin tins for 18–22 minutes at 350°F. The tangy lemon paired with the sweet blueberries gives you an extra burst of flavor, perfect for any season.
  5. Blueberry Banana Bread: For a twist on classic banana bread, stir in ½ cup of mashed ripe bananas. Not only does this add a unique flavor combination, but it also helps increase moisture in the bread, making it delightfully soft and rich. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas! You can bake this variation in a loaf pan for a more substantial treat.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: After completely cooling, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment

  • 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan: For optimal results, use the standard loaf pan for a perfect bake.
  • Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the wet and dry ingredients for a smoother batter.
  • Wire Rack: To cool the bread evenly after baking.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
    Yes, but do not thaw them to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.
  2. How can I keep the bread moist for longer?
    Storing the bread in an airtight container helps keep it fresh and moist.
  3. Can I make this into a cake instead of a loaf?
    Yes, you can bake the batter in a round or square cake pan for about 30–35 minutes.
  4. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
    Toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help them stay suspended.
  5. Can I add other fruits?
    Yes, raspberries or blackberries would also work well in this bread.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Bread is a refreshing and flavorful treat that combines the bright zest of lemons with the sweetness of juicy blueberries. Its soft, moist crumb and tangy citrus flavor make it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a light dessert. The balance of tart and sweet is sure to please your taste buds, and the addition of blueberries ensures every bite is packed with fruity goodness.

This quick bread is not only simple to make but also offers endless customization options. Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, seeds, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with a cup of tea for a relaxing treat.

Bake a loaf today, and let the sweet, citrusy aroma fill your kitchen! Capture the beauty of your bake and share it on Instagram—be sure to tag me so we can celebrate your delicious achievement. Happy baking!

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