There's nothing quite like a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread fresh from the oven. With its soft, moist crumb and the perfect balance of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, this bread makes an ideal breakfast, snack, or dessert. [IMAGE] Whether paired with a warm cup of coffee in the morning or enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up, this treat never disappoints.

I discovered this recipe during blueberry season, looking for ways to use up a bounty of fresh berries. The bright lemon flavor enhances the blueberries' natural sweetness, and together they create a bread that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to quick bread! Lemon Blueberry Bread combines simple ingredients with amazing results.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. No need for fancy equipment or techniques—just a mixing bowl, some fresh ingredients, and a loaf pan. You'll have a beautiful loaf in under an hour.

The combination of lemon and blueberries makes for an unbeatable flavor duo. The lemon zest and juice add a vibrant tanginess, while the blueberries provide bursts of sweetness, balancing each bite perfectly.

This recipe is also very versatile. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries and adjust the lemon flavor to suit your taste. Plus, it can easily be turned into muffins if you want something even quicker!

Lastly, the bread stores well and can be enjoyed all week long. It stays moist and tender, perfect for enjoying over several days or freezing for future treats.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Lemon Blueberry Bread lies in the careful balance of a few simple ingredients, each chosen for the flavor and texture they bring.

Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly here, creating the ideal crumb for this bread. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. If you like your bread a little sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon or two.
Lemon Zest and Juice: These two ingredients bring the bold lemon flavor that makes this bread so irresistible. Use fresh lemons for the best results; bottled juice won’t provide the same brightness.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well. If using frozen, don’t thaw them first, as this can cause excess moisture in the bread.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: This adds moisture to the bread, giving it a tender crumb. Either ingredient works, but Greek yogurt will make the loaf a bit lighter, while sour cream adds richness.

For this recipe, you’ll need a 9x5-inch loaf pan and a few mixing bowls for combining ingredients.

How to Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Creating this delicious bread is simple and rewarding! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps.

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan. Zest and juice the lemon, and if you’re using fresh blueberries, rinse and pat them dry.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give it a quick whisk to ensure everything’s evenly distributed.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix the sugar and lemon zest together. This step helps release the lemon oils, adding more aroma and flavor. Add the yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, and lemon juice, stirring until smooth and well combined.
Fold in the Blueberries: Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold them in to avoid smashing the berries.
Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish. The result? A beautifully golden, lemony bread studded with juicy blueberries!

Storage Options

This Lemon Blueberry Bread stays fresh and moist for days if stored properly. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Lemon Blueberry Bread is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for switching things up:

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream in place of regular yogurt to keep the bread dairy-free.
Add a Glaze: For an extra lemony kick, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Just mix a cup of powdered sugar with a tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the loaf.
Try Other Berries: Blueberries are delicious, but raspberries or blackberries make wonderful substitutions if you’re craving a different flavor.
Make It Muffins: Instead of a loaf, divide the batter among muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes. This makes a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings.

Experiment with these variations, and make the recipe your own. Enjoy each delicious, lemony, blueberry-filled bite!