Irresistibly Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread with Sweet Lemon Glaze

Lemon Blueberry Bread is a true delight, combining the zesty brightness of fresh lemons with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries. This quick bread recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, yielding a wonderfully moist and tender loaf that’s guaranteed to impress. Each slice is packed with vibrant flavors and finished with a luscious lemon glaze, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day.

Experience the perfect harmony of citrus and berry in this effortlessly delicious quick bread. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is super easy to follow, promising amazing, flavor-packed results every time. It stands out as one of the best lemon desserts you’ll ever bake. One bite, and you’ll understand why this has been a cherished recipe for years in countless households.

If you’re a fan of these classic flavor combinations, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful recipes such as Blueberry Coffee Cake, the classic Lemon Pound Cake Recipe, and the intriguing Lemon Blackberry Cake. For dedicated lemon enthusiasts, creating a refreshing Lemon Pudding could be another wonderful culinary adventure.

Why This Recipe Works

This Lemon Blueberry Bread isn’t just another dessert; it’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire:

• Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this recipe. With straightforward instructions and common pantry staples, it’s designed for ease, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. From mixing to baking, each step is clear and manageable, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates an exquisite taste sensation that’s both refreshing and comforting. The citrus notes perfectly complement the juicy berries, resulting in a bread that’s bursting with natural flavor in every bite.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt and melted butter, this quick bread achieves an incredibly moist and tender crumb. It avoids the dry, crumbly pitfalls often associated with quick breads, ensuring a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
• Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Planning ahead is easy with this recipe! You can bake extra loaves and freeze them for later enjoyment. This makes it ideal for meal prep, unexpected guests, or simply satisfying a sudden craving for homemade goodness. Just thaw and serve whenever you desire.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served as a delightful breakfast pastry, a light brunch item, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, this lemon blueberry bread fits any occasion. Its universally loved flavors make it a guaranteed hit with family and friends, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday indulgence.

The Magic of Lemon and Blueberries

The combination of lemon and blueberries is a classic for a reason. The bright, acidic notes of lemon cut through the sweetness, adding a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dish. Blueberries, on the other hand, contribute a delicate sweetness, vibrant color, and tiny bursts of juiciness that complement the lemon beautifully. Beyond their incredible taste, both ingredients offer nutritional benefits. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, while blueberries are known for their high antioxidant content and fiber. Together, they create a dessert that is not only delicious but also feels a little bit wholesome.

This bread celebrates seasonal produce, especially when fresh blueberries are abundant. However, the recipe is flexible enough to use frozen blueberries, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat year-round. The lemon glaze adds another layer of lemon flavor and a beautiful sheen, making the bread as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Perfection

Crafting the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after moist texture and balanced flavor profile.

For the Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread. Measuring it correctly is key to a tender loaf. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense texture.
• Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, ensuring the bread rises beautifully and achieves a light, airy crumb.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
• Fresh Lemon Zest: This is where the majority of the vibrant lemon flavor comes from. Always use fresh zest for the most aromatic and intense citrus notes. Don’t use bottled zest.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and tenderness. Ensure it’s melted and then cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when added to the mixture.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: A secret weapon for achieving incredible moisture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the lemon. It also helps create a softer texture.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more emulsified mixture, which leads to a more uniform and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides an additional layer of bright lemon flavor. Just like zest, fresh is always best! Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the fresh, vibrant taste.
• Fresh Blueberries: The star of the show! Fresh blueberries offer the best texture and burst of flavor. If using frozen, see our expert tips for preparation.

For the Glaze

The simple lemon glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding a lovely sheen and an extra pop of lemon.

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Forms the base of the glaze. Sift it if it’s lumpy to ensure a smooth, silky glaze.
• Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the desired consistency. You can use any type of milk you prefer.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuses the glaze with a bright, tangy lemon flavor that complements the bread beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: A small amount enhances the overall flavor profile of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Follow these detailed steps to bake your perfect loaf of Lemon Blueberry Bread. Precision and patience are your best tools!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these are well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
• Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Lemon. In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the fresh lemon zest. Use a fork to thoroughly rub the lemon zest into the sugar. This crucial step helps release the aromatic oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with intense lemon flavor, which will then permeate the entire bread.

Storage & Freezing

Proper storage ensures your Lemon Blueberry Bread stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Freezing Instructions: This bread freezes wonderfully!
  1. First, ensure the bread is completely cool, and the glaze has fully set.
  2. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
  3. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it inside a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
  4. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  5. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm individual slices slightly in the microwave or oven if desired.

Expert Baking Tips for Success

Even though this is an easy recipe, a few expert tips can elevate your Lemon Blueberry Bread from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Toss Berries in Flour: This is a crucial step to prevent your blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking. The light coating of flour helps them suspend evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every slice has plenty of juicy berries.
• Measure Flour Properly: Never scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this compacts it and results in too much flour. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the back of a knife to level it off. This “spoon and level” method ensures accurate measurement and a perfectly tender crumb.
• Using Frozen Berries: If fresh blueberries aren’t in season or readily available, you can certainly use frozen ones. However, allow them to thaw completely and then drain any excess moisture before tossing them in flour. This prevents the extra water from making your batter too thin and potentially coloring the bread purple.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until *just* combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, chewy, and less moist bread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender texture in the final bread.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is a common culprit for dry quick breads. Start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying glaze to warm bread will cause it to melt and run off, resulting in a soggy top. Always allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling the glaze for the best appearance and texture.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze is pourable but thick enough to cling to the bread. If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Lemon Blueberry Bread is delightful on its own, but it can also be elevated with a few simple additions. Serve it for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a lavish brunch spread. It makes a wonderful afternoon snack or a light dessert. For an extra treat, consider serving slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe Card

Lemon Blueberry Bread

This quick bread is incredibly moist, bursting with fresh lemon and juicy blueberries, and topped with a delightful lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 10 slices

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 272 kcal

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour (plus 1 Tablespoon for coating blueberries)
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Zest
• 1/3 cup Butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the sugar with lemon zest with a fork until well combined and fragrant.
4. Mix in the cooled melted butter and plain Greek yogurt into the sugar mixture using a handheld mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Then mix in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Toss the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter with a wooden spoon or spatula.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool completely in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool down entirely.
10. When ready to serve, whisk the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract) together in a small bowl until smooth.
11. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes.
12. Then it’s ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Tossing the blueberries with flour before mixing them into the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 272 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 269mg
• Potassium: 65mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 33g
• Vitamin A: 240IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 77mg
• Iron: 1mg

I am genuinely thrilled for you to try this amazing Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe. It’s a simple pleasure that brings so much joy. Please leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts if you bake it!