There’s something irresistibly comforting about homemade bread, and when you combine the sweetness of blueberries with the tangy zest of lemon, you create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Blueberry Lemon Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making Blueberry Lemon Bread from scratch.
From preparing the ingredients to baking the bread, we’ll provide detailed steps to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.
Plus, we’ll share a simple recipe for a lemon glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious loaf.
Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Bread
Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (188g) + 1/2 Tbsp for blueberries (4g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature (59ml)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (198g)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (29ml)
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen) (255g)
For the optional lemon glaze, you’ll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (113g)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (29ml)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp milk (14ml)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan
The first step in making Blueberry Lemon Bread is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is heating up, you should prepare a 9”x5” loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
This will ensure that the bread doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
These dry ingredients form the base of your bread and help give it structure.
Make sure the ingredients are well combined before setting the bowl aside.
This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for the bread to rise evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the sugar.
This step is essential because it helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender bread.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, Lemon Zest, and Lemon Juice
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
This helps the eggs blend smoothly into the batter.
Then, add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
The lemon zest and juice provide the bread with its signature tangy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the blueberries.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
Start by adding a portion of the flour mixture, followed by a bit of milk, and repeat until everything is combined.
Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage.
Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Blueberries
Before adding the blueberries to the batter, toss them in 1/2 tablespoon of flour.
This simple trick helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
Once coated, gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a spatula.
Be careful not to crush the blueberries, as you want them to remain whole in the bread.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan.
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter so it’s even.
If you like, you can add a few extra blueberries on top of the batter for a more visually appealing loaf.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Every oven is different, so it’s a good idea to start checking the bread around the 50-minute mark.
If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
While the bread is baking, you can prepare the optional lemon glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Then, add the milk and continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and runny.
If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the bread, enhancing the lemon flavor.
Step 10: Cool the Bread and Apply the Glaze
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
It’s important to let the bread cool before adding the glaze, as applying it while the bread is still warm can cause the glaze to melt and become too runny.
When the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
You can use a spoon to control the amount of glaze and create a pretty drizzle pattern.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bread.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Lemon Bread
Choose fresh or frozen blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the batter. However, frozen blueberries may slightly increase the baking time.
Don’t skip the lemon zest: The lemon zest is what gives the bread its bright, tangy flavor. Make sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Store the bread properly: To keep your Blueberry Lemon Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
Conclusion
Blueberry Lemon Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the tangy freshness of lemon.
It’s a versatile loaf that can be enjoyed at any time of day, and the optional lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes it even more irresistible.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a loaf of bread that’s not only delicious but also beautiful to look at.
So why not give it a try?
Once you’ve tasted this Blueberry Lemon Bread, you’ll want to make it again and again.