Easy Lemon Blueberry Bread – Moist and Fluffy Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and blueberries—it’s like sunshine and summer berries decided to dance together in a loaf pan. I first fell in love with this pairing years ago when my grandmother handed me a thick slice of her lemon blueberry bread, still warm from the oven, with a pat of butter slowly melting into its golden crumb. It was love at first bite, and ever since, this recipe has been my go-to for lazy weekend baking, impromptu brunches, or just because the blueberries at the market looked too plump to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, every one of these plays a special role in making this bread unforgettable:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of our bread. If you’re feeling fancy, you can swap in half whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Our little lift-maker to ensure the bread rises just right.
• ½ teaspoon salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature is key here! Cold butter won’t cream properly.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the deal, but you can reduce it slightly if your berries are super ripe.
• 2 large eggs – Always crack them into a separate bowl first to avoid any rogue shells.
• ½ cup whole milk – Adds moisture and richness. A splash of buttermilk works beautifully too.
• Zest of 2 lemons – This is where the magic begins. Don’t skip it—the zest packs all that bright citrusy punch.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Bottled juice just won’t give the same zing.
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries – Toss them in a spoonful of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom.

Let’s Bake Together

Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s turn these simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Follow these steps, and don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. A little parchment paper sling makes lifting the bread out a breeze later!

1. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so no bite is left behind.
2. Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for that tender crumb we all crave.
3. Add the eggs and zest. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest. Your kitchen should smell like a citrus grove by now!
4. Alternate wet and dry. Gently mix in half the flour mixture, followed by the milk, then the remaining flour. Stir just until combined—overmixing leads to tough bread.
5. Fold in the blueberries. Toss those beautiful berries in a bit of flour (this helps them stay suspended), then gently fold them into the batter. A few streaks of purple are perfectly fine!
6. Bake to golden perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil.

While your bread bakes, take a moment to savor the aroma—it’s like a hug from the oven. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is hard, but it’s worth it for those clean slices!

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Making the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread is all about balance and personal touches. Here are some expert tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture, but frozen blueberries work too—just toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
• Swap the lemon zest for orange zest if you prefer a slightly sweeter citrus note.
• Add a glaze for extra sweetness—mix powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
• Go gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Boost the protein by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream—it adds moisture and a slight tang.

What to Serve It With

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is delightful on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. Here are a few serving ideas:

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
• A smear of cream cheese or lemon curd for a tangy contrast.
• A cup of hot tea or iced coffee to complement the bright citrus flavors.
• Fresh berries on the side for a burst of color and extra fruity goodness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Lemon Blueberry Bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Slice the loaf, wrap individual pieces in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
• Reheating: For a warm, freshly baked feel, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast it lightly in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined for a lighter crumb.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I prevent the blueberries from staining the batter purple?

Coating the blueberries in flour before folding them in helps minimize color bleeding, but a little purple swirl can add charm!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries in a tender, moist loaf. Whether you’re enjoying a slice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to brighten your day. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a household favorite—it’s just that good. Happy baking!