There's nothing quite like the aroma of Lemon Blueberry Bread wafting through the kitchen, filling the air with the bright scent of citrus and juicy blueberries. This loaf is soft, tender, and packed with bursts of fresh fruit, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

I first made this bread one summer when my blueberry bushes were overflowing, and it instantly became a family favorite. Now, it's a go-to recipe whenever I need a quick and crowd-pleasing bake. Let’s dive into what makes this Lemon Blueberry Bread so special and easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Prepare to fall head over heels for this delightful Lemon Blueberry Bread. With its light, zesty flavor and juicy blueberries, this bread is a must-have for any lemon lover’s recipe collection.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one mixing bowl, you can create this delicious bread in under an hour. It’s the kind of recipe that you can put together even on a busy morning.

This bread is also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a breakfast loaf, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a light dessert after dinner. The lemon glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and blueberries.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike love this bread for its sweet-tart flavor and tender texture. It’s one of those recipes you can make for a brunch gathering, potluck, or family treat, and it’s always a hit.

Lastly, fresh or frozen blueberries both work well in this recipe, making it accessible year-round. Whether you’re using fresh berries in summer or frozen ones in winter, the bread always turns out deliciously moist and flavorful.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Lemon Blueberry Bread lies in its simple, yet carefully balanced ingredients that create that perfect flavor and texture.

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: You can use either in this recipe! If you’re using frozen, just be sure to add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much into the batter. The blueberries bring a juicy burst of flavor and a beautiful color contrast to the bread.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Both zest and juice are essential here to give the bread its fresh, zesty lemon flavor. The zest, in particular, adds a depth of citrusy aroma without making the bread too tart. Use a microplane grater for the best results with zest.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, giving it structure and a soft crumb. Be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf – spoon and level it for the best results.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: The secret to a moist, tender crumb, yogurt or sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and richness to the bread. If you’re out of either, you can substitute it with buttermilk.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon. If you like a slightly less sweet loaf, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup without compromising too much on flavor.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan!

How To Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Making this Lemon Blueberry Bread is as straightforward as it gets, and it’s ready in just a few steps.

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. A light dusting of flour on top of the grease will help prevent sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and vegetable oil until smooth. The lemon zest releases its oils when mixed with sugar, enhancing the lemon flavor even more.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and prevent lumps.
Fold in Blueberries: Gently toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour (about 1-2 tablespoons) to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Fold them into the batter carefully to avoid breaking them.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with a piece of foil around the 40-minute mark.
Lemon Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the bread once it’s cooled slightly for a tangy-sweet finish.

Your Lemon Blueberry Bread is ready to enjoy in just about an hour, including prep and bake time. The result is a beautifully golden loaf with a soft, moist interior packed with lemony goodness.

Storage Options

Storing your Lemon Blueberry Bread properly ensures it stays fresh for days, though it’s often gone by then!

Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The lemon glaze may soften the top a bit, but it will still taste delicious.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bread in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Freezing: This bread also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back its soft, fresh-baked texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Lemon Blueberry Bread is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Swap the Blueberries: If you’re out of blueberries or want to try something different, substitute them with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries. Each berry brings its unique flavor profile to the bread.
Try Orange Instead of Lemon: For a softer citrus taste, substitute the lemon juice and zest with orange. The orange flavor pairs beautifully with blueberries for a slightly sweeter variation.
Add a Streusel Topping: For an added layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle a simple streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter on top before baking. It’ll create a delightful crunch!
Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly heartier bread, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This gives the loaf a nutty flavor and boosts its nutritional value.
Add Nuts or Coconut: For extra texture, fold in some chopped almonds, pecans, or shredded coconut into the batter. Each addition will add a delightful crunch or chewiness to the bread.

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is just the start – feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy every bite of this refreshingly sweet and tart treat!