Lemon Blueberry Bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure the ingredients are well combined.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

• Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.

5. Prepare the Blueberries

• In a small bowl, toss the fresh or frozen blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.

6. Fold in the Blueberries

• Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is perfect for a light and moist bread.

7. Bake the Bread

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

8. Cool the Bread

• Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Optional: Glaze the Bread

• While the bread cools, you can prepare the optional lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk (if using). The glaze should be thick but pourable.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread once it has fully set on the wire rack. The glaze will add a sweet, tangy finish that complements the lemony flavor of the bread.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the bread light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Stir just until everything is incorporated.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before using them in the recipe. This ensures a smoother batter and a better rise in the oven.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen blueberries work just fine if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Add Extra Lemon Zest: If you’re a fan of a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest to the batter. You can even add some to the glaze for an extra punch of citrus.
• Make it a Muffin: If you prefer muffins over loaves, you can use this recipe to make lemon blueberry muffins. Simply divide the batter evenly between a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. The lemon gives the bread a refreshing citrus note that is perfectly complemented by the burst of juicy blueberries in each bite. The added glaze gives it a beautiful finish and a little extra sweetness, but it’s totally optional if you prefer a more subtle flavor.

It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a breakfast bread, a dessert, or even as a light afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or for gifting.

A Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is sure to impress. The combination of lemon and blueberries is a timeless favorite, and the bread itself is a versatile and easy option for a variety of occasions. You can even freeze the loaf (without the glaze) for later, making it an excellent option for busy mornings when you need something sweet and satisfying.

Next time you’re craving something light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet, give this Lemon Blueberry Bread a try. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the bright flavors of lemon and blueberries in one delicious loaf.