The Best Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe : Soft and Moist

Introduction

I still remember the first time I baked lemon blueberry bread—the sweet scent of fresh lemons and juicy blueberries filling my kitchen was pure bliss. When I sliced into that golden loaf, I was greeted by the perfect balance of citrusy tang and bursts of berry sweetness. Since then, this has become my go-to recipe, not just for myself but as a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

In this detailed step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how to make the best lemon blueberry bread, including pro baking tips, ingredient swaps, and even storage solutions. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients to prepare Lemon Blueberry Bread

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This helps streamline the baking process.

Essential Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Provides structure
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp	Helps the bread rise
Baking soda	½ tsp	Assists in rising & texture
Salt	½ tsp	Enhances flavor
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)	Adds richness & moisture
Granulated sugar	¾ cup	Sweetens the bread
Eggs	2 large	Helps bind ingredients
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)	½ cup	Ensures a soft and moist crumb
Lemon zest	2 tbsp	Provides intense lemon flavor
Lemon juice	3 tbsp	Adds fresh citrusy tang
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Enhances flavor depth
Fresh blueberries	1 ¼ cups	Adds bursts of natural sweetness
All-purpose flour	1 tbsp	To coat blueberries (prevents sinking)

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Zest and juice your lemons, ensuring no bitter white pith gets into the zest.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
   • ½ tsp baking soda
   • ½ tsp salt
2. Set aside—this prevents over-mixing later.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes using an electric mixer).
2. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
4. Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. (Do not overmix, or the bread may turn out dense.)

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Blueberries

1. In a small bowl, toss 1 ¼ cups blueberries with 1 tbsp flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
2. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.

Step 7: Transfer to the Baking Pan

1. Pour the batter into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Step 8: Bake the Lemon Blueberry Bread

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven (350°F / 175°C).
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness at 50 minutes with a toothpick.
   • If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done.
   • If wet batter sticks to it, bake for 5-10 more minutes.
3. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

Step 9: Cool the Lemon Blueberry Bread Properly

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Glaze of Lemon Blueberry Bread

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Powdered sugar	1 cup	Sweetens the glaze
Lemon juice	2 tbsp	Adds fresh citrusy tang
Lemon zest	1 tsp	Enhances lemon flavor

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled bread using a spoon.
3. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.

Step 11: slice Lemon Blueberry Bread and Enjoy!

Once the glaze has set, slice the bread into thick, soft slices and enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a quick snack.

Storage of Lemon Blueberry Bread & Freezing Instructions

How to Store Lemon Blueberry Bread

• Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days (wrapped in plastic wrap).
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

How to Freeze for Later

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Baking Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread

Preventing Blueberries from Sinking

✔ Toss them in flour before adding to the batter.

Keeping the Bread Moist

✔ Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of milk.
✔ Do not overmix the batter.

Getting the Perfect Rise

✔ Fresh baking powder and baking soda are key.
✔ Bake at the right temperature—don’t rush it!

FAQs about Lemon Blueberry Bread

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! Do not thaw them before adding to the batter.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes in a muffin tin.

How can I make this more lemony?

Increase the lemon zest to 3 tbsp and add a ½ tsp lemon extract.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

What can I use instead of yogurt?

You can use buttermilk, sour cream, or applesauce.

Does blueberry bread need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. Lemon blueberry bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if kept in an airtight container. However, if you want to extend its freshness, refrigeration is recommended. Store it in the fridge for up to a week, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature or warm it slightly for the best texture.

Why do lemon and blueberry go together?

Lemon and blueberry make the perfect flavor combination because they balance each other out. The tangy, citrusy brightness of lemon enhances the natural sweetness of blueberries, creating a more complex and refreshing taste. Additionally, the acidity in lemon helps enhance the overall fruitiness of blueberries, making every bite more vibrant and flavorful.

How do you keep blueberries from sinking in blueberry bread?

To prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your bread:

1. Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.
2. Use fresh blueberries instead of frozen, as frozen berries tend to release more moisture, making them heavier.
3. Add half of the batter to the loaf pan first, then layer in some blueberries, followed by the rest of the batter. This technique helps distribute the blueberries throughout the loaf.

Why is my blueberry bread so dense?

A dense blueberry bread is usually the result of overmixing the batter or using the wrong balance of wet and dry ingredients. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread dense and chewy.
• Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method (spoon the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife). Too much flour can lead to a dry, dense loaf.
• Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents won’t create enough rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly, leading to a lighter texture.

Conclusion

This lemon blueberry bread recipe is a must-try! It’s soft, moist, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a bakery-style loaf in no time.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls!