Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe to Try Today
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful homemade treat that bursts with fresh citrus flavor and juicy berries, you’ve found it with the Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe. This incredible bread offers the perfect balance of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries, wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a recipe that’s easy to master, suitable for any occasion, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to try it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of lemon zest and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that wakes up your palate.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This bread stays soft and moist thanks to the right balance of ingredients and baking technique.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread fits seamlessly into your day.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from basic pantry staples and fresh produce, it’s easy to prepare without fuss.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that incredible flavor and texture. From tangy lemons to popping blueberries, each component is essential in creating a bread that’s both moist and bursting with flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise fluffy and light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and aids browning.
- Lemon zest: Packs a zesty citrus punch that defines the bread.
- Fresh blueberries: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to keep the bread soft.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Contributes to moistness and flavor depth.
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances sweetness with acidity and enhances the zest.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Variations for Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Feel free to make this recipe your own by playing around with different ingredients and twists. The recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand and what your taste buds crave.
- Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt or milk.
- Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch and flavor depth.
- Extra citrus zing: Incorporate orange zest along with lemon zest for a multi-citrus profile.
- Blueberry swap: Use frozen blueberries or substitute with raspberries or blackberries for a different berry burst.
How to Make Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, yogurt or sour cream, vegetable oil or melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to form a batter, being careful not to overmix as this can toughen the bread.
Step 4: Add blueberries
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries so they distribute evenly without breaking and turning the batter purple.
Step 5: Bake the bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
- Use fresh lemon zest: Freshly grated zest provides the most intense and vibrant citrus flavor.
- Coat blueberries in flour: Lightly dust berries with flour before folding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Don’t overmix batter: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick test towards the end of baking to avoid under or overcooking.
- Allow full cooling: Cooling completely prevents soggy slices and helps flavor set.
How to Serve Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top or drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to enhance the citrus brightness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spread of cream cheese for a creamy contrast to the zesty berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast pieces for breakfast or brunch, create a layered bread pudding, or serve warm with fresh fruit and a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Slice the bread first, wrap individual slices or the full loaf in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy again, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm briefly in a toaster oven or microwave for that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in the Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well but make sure to thaw and drain them first, then coat lightly in flour to reduce bleeding into the batter.
Is this Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe contains gluten, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make a gluten-free version.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based yogurt or sour cream and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.
How long does Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for about 3 days, or up to a week if refrigerated, though refrigeration may dry it out slightly.
What is the best way to prevent blueberries from sinking?
Coating blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended throughout the bread.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into the moist, flavorful goodness of the Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe. It’s a beautiful mix of tart and sweet, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo over a cup of coffee. Give it a try today, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to homemade treats!
Related Posts
- Why Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread Is Irresistible
- How to Make the Best Fluffy Pancake Every Time
- Why The Best Carrot Muffins Recipe Will Wow You
Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Can be made gluten free or vegan with substitutions
Description
The Best Lemon Blueberry Bread is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with bright lemon zest and juicy blueberries. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this versatile bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a refreshing citrus and sweet berry combination that delights every palate.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed, and lightly floured)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, plain yogurt or sour cream, vegetable oil or melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Add blueberries: Carefully fold in fresh or lightly floured thawed blueberries, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries or coloring the batter purple.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Coat blueberries lightly with flour before folding in to prevent them from sinking.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted near the end of baking to avoid under or overcooking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent soggy slices and help flavors set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Lemon blueberry bread, homemade quick bread, citrus bread, blueberry loaf, moist lemon bread