There's nothing quite like the scent of lemon blueberry bread filling your kitchen with a burst of citrus and warm berries. This easy recipe combines the zestiness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. [IMAGE]

I first baked this bread when I wanted to use up a surplus of fresh blueberries and a few lemons from my garden. Now, it's a staple in our home, beloved by both adults and kids alike for its light texture and irresistible flavor. Let’s dive into why this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home, too!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Prepare to fall in love with a bread that’s not only easy to make but also packed with bright flavors. This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a game-changer for anyone looking to bake something a bit special without much fuss.

To start, it’s an incredibly simple recipe. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have this bread in the oven in under 20 minutes. No need to worry about complex steps or fancy equipment here!

The flavor combination is a classic. Fresh lemon zest and juice bring a tangy brightness that perfectly complements the sweetness of blueberries. Every slice offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet that’s truly refreshing.

And let’s not forget how versatile this bread is. You can enjoy it warm from the oven, as a quick grab-and-go breakfast, or even as a lovely gift to friends and family.

Best of all, this bread is both moist and light, thanks to the use of yogurt and oil in the batter. You’ll get a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth with each bite.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this lemon blueberry bread are straightforward, but each one plays a key role in achieving the ideal flavor and texture.

Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice give the bread its characteristic citrusy brightness. Zesting the lemon before you juice it makes the process easier, and it ensures you capture the essential oils in the zest, which add depth to the lemon flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for this recipe, as they hold up well during baking. However, you can also use frozen blueberries if you’re in a pinch. Just add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much color into the batter.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is essential for keeping the bread moist without making it too dense. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works as a great substitute.
Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter in this recipe helps keep the bread tender and soft. You can use any neutral oil you prefer, like canola or grapeseed.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here, but if you prefer a heartier texture, try substituting a quarter of the flour with whole wheat flour.

You'll also need a loaf pan for this recipe. Be sure to line it with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.

How To Make This Lemon Blueberry Bread

Making this bread is as straightforward as it gets, and it’s an excellent recipe for beginner bakers. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you bring this lemon blueberry bread to life.

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard loaf pan. Zest and juice your lemon, then set it aside. If using frozen blueberries, keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to fold them into the batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed. This will ensure the bread has a light, airy texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Make sure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a smooth, creamy base for your bread.
Fold in the Blueberries: Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense. Finally, fold in the blueberries, taking care not to break them up too much.
Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

After baking, let the loaf cool fully before slicing if you can resist the temptation. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Storage Options

Once your lemon blueberry bread has cooled, it’s best to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Here are a few storage options:

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s ideal to place a sheet of paper towel underneath to absorb any excess moisture.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the bread for up to a week. However, note that refrigeration may slightly dry out the bread.
Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.

When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will make the bread taste freshly baked.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this lemon blueberry bread is its versatility. Here are some variations to try out:

Add a Lemon Glaze: For extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze to drizzle over the top of the bread once it’s cooled.
Make it Healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or try using a sugar substitute to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
Swap Blueberries for Another Berry: This recipe works great with other berries, like raspberries or blackberries, for a fun twist on flavor.
Add a Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to add some crunch to each bite.
Go Dairy-Free: If you’re dairy-free, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt.

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and flavors to make this lemon blueberry bread your own!

With a few simple ingredients and some time in the oven, you’ll have a loaf of lemon blueberry bread that’s light, moist, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast, a cozy snack, or a little gift, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy!