This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a burst of sunshine in every slice—tender, loaded with juicy berries, and kissed with real lemon zest for an irresistible zing. If you adore moist, easy quick breads that double as breakfast, snack, or even dessert, this is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Lemony Flavor: Every bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and a sweet-tart pop from the blueberries.
- Irresistibly Moist: Thanks to a secret duo of Greek yogurt and olive oil, this bread stays soft and tender for days.
- Super Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a quick dessert—especially dressed up with a drizzle of lemon glaze.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: There’s nothing fancy here—just wholesome basics, with zero complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Blueberry Bread is how effortlessly it comes together with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key part—ensuring moistness, structure, and that unbeatable bright flavor we love.
- All-purpose flour: Offers just the right crumb and supports the juicy blueberries without being dense.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its beautiful rise and airy texture.
- Sea salt: Enhances both the sweetness and the citrus notes for a balanced bite.
- Cane sugar: Naturally sweetens the loaf without overpowering the fresh fruit and lemon.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the bread with intense lemon aroma—don’t skip the zesting step!
- Greek yogurt: The secret to a moist, tender crumb with subtle tang; go for whole milk for the richest result.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings richness and an unmistakably luscious texture—plus, a hint of complexity.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add lusciousness to every slice.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the lemon and berries.
- Blueberries: The juicy stars! Fresh or frozen both work—just fold them in gently to keep them whole.
- Lemon glaze (optional): A sweet-tart finishing touch that’s purely optional—but highly recommended for lemon lovers!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to play with this Lemon Blueberry Bread! It’s refreshingly adaptable, so you can swap, add, or tweak ingredients to suit your cravings or dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make a celiac-friendly loaf.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and swap in a mild-flavored oil, like avocado or light olive oil, for the Greek yogurt and olive oil combo.
- Berry Swaps: Feel free to replace the blueberries with blackberries, raspberries, or even a mix for a “berry medley” twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and richness—especially delicious for breakfast.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your favorite loaf pan (an 8×4 or 9×5-inch works perfectly), and brush the inside lightly with a bit of olive oil so every slice releases effortlessly. A well-greased pan means no sticking or crumbling later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This little step helps the leavening agent get evenly distributed, ensuring your bread rises tall and bakes up evenly golden.
Step 3: Zest and Combine Wet Ingredients
Place the cane sugar and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Here’s where the magic happens—use your fingertips to rub the zest right into the sugar, releasing a big hit of fragrant lemon oil. Add the yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, then whisk until joyful and smooth.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be thick, but not dry. Drop in those lovely blueberries and fold them through with a gentle hand to keep them plump and whole.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Scoop the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but wet batter means it needs more time).
Step 6: Cool, Glaze, and Slice!
Allow your Lemon Blueberry Bread to cool completely right in the pan—this helps the flavors meld and the crumb set. For an extra treat, drizzle with lemon glaze before slicing into thick, tempting pieces. Enjoy every vibrant mouthful!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Bread
- The Zest Factor: Don’t just add the zest—really massage it into the sugar for maximum fragrant lemon flavor in every bite.
- Frozen Berry Magic: Using frozen blueberries? Toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding in to prevent sinking and bleeding color.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter only until combined—the less you stir, the softer and more tender your bread will be.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice while hot; letting it cool keeps your Lemon Blueberry Bread moist and prevents crumbling.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread
Garnishes
A delicate drizzle of tangy lemon glaze makes each slice pop, while a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar turns this bread into a brunch-worthy centerpiece. For extra prettiness, try a few fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint on top.
Side Dishes
Lemon Blueberry Bread is lovely alongside a creamy latte, hot tea, or even a glass of cold milk. At a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit salad, eggs, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a complete and inviting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, bake the batter as mini loaves or muffins—perfect for sharing at picnics or gifting to friends. You can also toast thick slices and slather with butter or lemon curd for an ultra-special breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled Lemon Blueberry Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making for an even tastier treat on day two!
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Simply slice and wrap each piece (or the whole loaf) in foil, then pop into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight at room temperature whenever you crave a slice.
Reheating
To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and lets the berries shine all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well and don’t require thawing—simply toss them with a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter to keep the color from streaking.
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Why is my Lemon Blueberry Bread dense or gummy?
Dense or gummy bread usually means the batter was overmixed or the loaf wasn’t baked long enough. Mix gently until just combined and check for doneness with a toothpick for best results.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious and moist.
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How do I add extra lemon flavor?
If you want even more zing, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract to the batter—or double up on that irresistible lemon glaze drizzle!
Final Thoughts
No matter the season, this Lemon Blueberry Bread brings a bit of sunshine to your kitchen—and your taste buds! I truly hope you’ll bake a loaf and share it with the people you love. Enjoy every tangy-sweet bite!
PrintLemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the zesty flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. The moist and tender bread is ideal for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- Lemon glaze, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cane sugar and lemon zest. Add yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla; whisk to combine.
- Mix Batter: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Fold in blueberries. Batter will be thick.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Drizzle with lemon glaze if desired.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe.
- For added lemon flavor, consider adding lemon glaze on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg