The Best Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe with Easy Lemon Glaze
Get ready to bake a loaf of pure sunshine! This incredible Lemon Blueberry Bread is an absolute delight, bursting with fresh, tangy lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries. It’s incredibly moist, wonderfully flavorful, and topped with an irresistible lemon glaze that locks in all that deliciousness. Whether it’s a sunny spring morning or a cozy autumn afternoon, this quick bread recipe brings a taste of happiness to any day.
A Burst of Fresh Flavor, Any Time of Year
You might be thinking, “Isn’t Lemon Blueberry Bread more of a spring or summer treat?” And while it certainly shines in those seasons, I’m here to tell you that this recipe is a year-round winner! The inspiration for sharing this delightful recipe came from a fantastic sale on blueberries. When you find those plump, fresh berries at a great price, you just have to stock up, right? We’ve been enjoying them on everything – well, almost everything! From breakfast cereals to smoothies, blueberries have been a staple in our home, and making a loaf of this quick bread was the perfect way to celebrate them.
The Story Behind This Delicious Loaf
I originally whipped up a batch of this lemon blueberry bread for the kids as an afternoon snack. It disappeared so fast that I barely got a slice for myself! That’s when I realized, to my surprise, that this family-favorite recipe wasn’t yet on the blog. How could I keep such a simple, moist, and flavorful treat a secret from all of you?
So, of course, I had to bake another loaf. Not just for us to enjoy again (though that was a definite perk!), but specifically so I could photograph it and finally share it with all of you. It was “such a hardship” finding someone to eat this yummy bread, you know, the struggles of a food blogger! (Totally kidding, of course!). In reality, the moment the camera was put away, the kids were practically swarming the kitchen. They stood around with an air of “patient” anticipation – though “eagerly waiting to devour” is probably a more accurate description of their excitement for this delectable treat.
Seriously, it was gone in minutes! I barely had time to get it from the cooling rack to the table before it vanished. And yes, I’m going to have to make another one soon because they didn’t even save me a piece! Next time, I might just have to hide a slice or two and quietly sneak away for a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Hey, a mom has to look out for herself, especially when there’s delicious bread involved!
Why This Lemon Blueberry Bread Will Be Your New Favorite
Really, though, you guys absolutely need to make this bread. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can mix everything in one bowl, which means fewer dishes to wash – a true win in any kitchen! This isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a reliable recipe that delivers consistent results every time: a beautifully golden loaf with a tender crumb, bursting with fruity and citrusy notes.
The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries is a match made in heaven. The lemon not only adds a bright, tangy flavor but also helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the blueberries. And the simple lemon glaze? It’s not just for aesthetics; it adds another layer of lemony goodness and, crucially, helps to keep the bread incredibly moist for days. So don’t wait for spring or summer when citrus fruits are traditionally in season; fresh lemons and blueberries are often available year-round, meaning you can enjoy this delightful lemon blueberry bread today!
Key Features You’ll Love:
- Unbeatable Moisture: Thanks to the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients and that luscious glaze.
- Vibrant Flavor: A harmonious blend of tart lemon and sweet blueberries.
- Effortless Preparation: Mostly a one-bowl wonder, simplifying your baking process.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light dessert.
- Kid-Approved: My own children’s enthusiastic response is proof!
Tips for Baking the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread
Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful lemon blueberry bread is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough, dry bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Flour Your Blueberries: To prevent your blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, lightly toss them with about a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them stay suspended throughout the bread.
- Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon zest and juice. The zest contains essential oils that provide a bright, aromatic lemon flavor, while the juice adds a lovely tang.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother mixture and a better rise.
- Check for Doneness: Quick breads can be tricky because they’re dense. To test if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
Variations & Substitutions
While this lemon blueberry bread recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also quite adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries aren’t available, you can absolutely use frozen ones. The key is to not thaw them before adding them to the batter. Add them directly from the freezer. Thawing them will cause them to release too much liquid and discolor your bread.
- Other Berries: This recipe works well with other berries too! Try substituting raspberries or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. Cranberries would also be delicious, especially around the holidays.
- Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch and added texture, fold in about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the blueberries.
- Different Citrus: While lemon is classic, you could experiment with orange or lime zest and juice for a subtle flavor variation.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of the glaze, consider adding a simple streusel topping before baking for a crumbly, buttery crust. A mixture of flour, sugar, and cold butter crumbed together works wonderfully.
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Ingredients
- BREAD:
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 – 1 cup sugar I always use 1/2 cup sugar and it is plenty sweet for us, but you may want more
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries divided
- GLAZE: optional
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8×4″ loaf pan, set aside.
-
BREAD: In a large bowl combine the all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and add in the eggs. Lightly beat eggs in the well. Add in the milk, melted butter, vanilla, zest and lemon juice. Fold in 1 cup of blueberries. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
-
GLAZE: In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice and butter. Drizzle over warm bread. Cool completely.
Notes
How to Store Your Lemon Blueberry Bread
To keep your delicious lemon blueberry bread fresh and moist, follow these simple storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
- In the Refrigerator: While not strictly necessary, if you live in a very humid climate or want to extend its shelf life slightly, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it well to prevent it from drying out, and it will last for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best taste.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or warm individual slices gently in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Blueberry Bread
Q: Why did my blueberries sink to the bottom of the bread?
A: Blueberries are denser than the batter, so they tend to sink. To prevent this, toss your fresh or frozen blueberries with about a tablespoon of all-purpose flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them adhere to the batter and stay suspended during baking.
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, absolutely! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them. Add them directly from the freezer to the batter. Thawing them can cause them to bleed color into your batter, turning your bread a greenish or purplish hue, and may add too much moisture, affecting the texture.
Q: How do I know when the lemon blueberry bread is fully baked?
A: The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again.
Q: My bread top is browning too quickly, but the inside isn’t cooked. What should I do?
A: If you notice the top browning faster than the rest of the bread is cooking, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will shield the top from direct heat while allowing the inside to finish cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
A: Yes, you can! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. The baking time will be significantly shorter, usually around 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts: Bake a Loaf and Share the Joy!
This Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread truly is a fantastic recipe that brings so much joy with minimal effort. Its bright, comforting flavors and tender texture make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, sharing it with friends at brunch, or simply surprising your family with a homemade snack, this bread is sure to be a hit. The easy, zesty lemon glaze is the crowning touch, elevating this simple loaf into something truly special.
So, gather your ingredients and get baking! You won’t regret making this delicious Lemon Blueberry Bread. And when you do, don’t forget to share your creations! I love seeing what you bake. Be sure to tag @countryside_cravings on Instagram with your photos. Happy baking!
