Zesty Delight: The Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Lemon blueberry bread is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon perfectly complements the juicy sweetness of blueberries, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a moist, flavorful loaf that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this lemon blueberry bread recipe is sure to become a favorite.

## Why This Recipe Works

This lemon blueberry bread recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Moisture:** The combination of oil and buttermilk ensures a moist and tender crumb.
* **Flavor:** Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a vibrant citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the blueberries.
* **Texture:** The blueberries add bursts of juicy sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
* **Ease:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
* **Versatility:** You can enjoy this bread plain, toasted, or with a dollop of cream cheese or yogurt.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

* **All-purpose flour:** 3 cups (360g)
* **Baking powder:** 1 tablespoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Unsalted butter:** 1/2 cup (113g), softened
* **Granulated sugar:** 1 1/2 cups (300g)
* **Eggs:** 2 large
* **Lemon zest:** 2 tablespoons (from about 2 large lemons)
* **Lemon juice:** 1/4 cup (from about 1 large lemon)
* **Buttermilk:** 1 cup (240ml)
* **Vegetable oil:** 1/4 cup (60ml)
* **Vanilla extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Fresh blueberries:** 1 1/2 cups (180g), rinsed and dried
* **Optional: Lemon Glaze**
* Powdered sugar: 1 cup
* Lemon juice: 2-3 tablespoons

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Flour:** All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you want a slightly denser bread, you can use bread flour.
* **Butter:** Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
* **Lemon:** Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it doesn’t have the same bright, zesty taste.
* **Buttermilk:** Buttermilk adds moisture and tang to the bread. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
* **Blueberries:** Fresh blueberries are preferred, but you can use frozen blueberries if necessary. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. Toss them with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Loaf pan:** 9×5 inch loaf pan
* **Mixing bowls:** Large and medium mixing bowls
* **Electric mixer:** Handheld or stand mixer
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
* **Zester or microplane**
* **Juicer**
* **Rubber spatula**
* **Wire rack**
* **Parchment paper (optional):** To line the loaf pan for easy removal.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect lemon blueberry bread:

**Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
2. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes removing the bread from the pan a breeze.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, resulting in a more even rise.

**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar**

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the bread’s light and tender texture. It should take about 3-5 minutes.

**Step 4: Add Eggs, Lemon Zest, and Lemon Juice**

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter.
2. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until combined. The lemon zest adds a concentrated burst of citrus flavor, while the lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess.

**Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This creates a wet mixture that will be alternately added to the dry ingredients.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and chewy texture.
3. Start with adding 1/3 of the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, mix until just combined, then add 1/2 of the buttermilk, mix until just combined. Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add the remaining buttermilk and mix until just combined. Finally add the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

**Step 6: Fold in Blueberries**

1. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the blueberries to bleed and turn the batter blue. It’s best to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid crushing the blueberries.

**Step 7: Pour Batter into Loaf Pan**

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. You can use a spatula or spoon to smooth the top of the batter.

**Step 8: Bake the Bread**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the bread regularly. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

**Step 9: Cool the Bread**

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set slightly and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
2. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, simply lift the bread out using the overhang.

**Step 10: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bread but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

## Tips for Success

* **Use room temperature ingredients:** Softened butter, room temperature eggs, and buttermilk will combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Toss blueberries with flour:** Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
* **Check for doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the bread is done.
* **Cool completely before slicing:** Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
* **Store properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Poppy seeds:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a nutty flavor and added texture.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a crunchy texture.
* **Other berries:** Substitute other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for the blueberries.
* **Gluten-free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. Be sure to add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the batter.
* **Orange zest:** Substitute orange zest for lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
* **Yogurt:** Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk for a tangier flavor and added moisture.

## Serving Suggestions

Lemon blueberry bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment:

* **Plain:** Enjoy a slice of bread plain for a simple and satisfying treat.
* **Toasted:** Toast a slice of bread for a warm and crispy texture.
* **With cream cheese:** Spread a layer of cream cheese on a slice of bread for a creamy and tangy flavor.
* **With yogurt:** Top a slice of bread with yogurt and fresh berries for a healthy and delicious breakfast.
* **With butter:** Spread a pat of butter on a slice of bread for a classic combination.
* **As French toast:** Dip slices of bread in an egg mixture and pan-fry them for a decadent breakfast.
* **Grilled:** Grill slices of lemon blueberry bread. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars on the outside of the bread, adding a smoky and slightly charred flavor. You can brush the bread with a little melted butter or olive oil before grilling.
* **Dessert Parfaits:** Crumble the lemon blueberry bread and use it as a layer in dessert parfaits. Alternate layers of bread crumbs, yogurt or whipped cream, and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.

## Make Ahead and Storage

**Make Ahead:**

* The lemon blueberry bread can be made a day in advance. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature.
* You can also prepare the batter ahead of time. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let the batter come to room temperature before baking. Add the blueberries just before baking to prevent them from bleeding.

**Storage:**

* **Room Temperature:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The refrigerator can dry out the bread slightly, so it is best to wrap it tightly.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe Card

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 large lemons)
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups (180g) fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried
* **Optional: Lemon Glaze**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in blueberries.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. (Optional) Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread.

## Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 10-12g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy your delicious homemade lemon blueberry bread! This recipe is a perfect way to brighten up any day and share a little bit of sunshine with your loved ones.