Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Lemon Blueberry Bread is an absolute game-changer. Imagine a moist, tender loaf infused with zesty lemon and scattered with juicy blueberries, all topped with a luscious lemon cream cheese glaze. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a beautiful golden crust that invites you to dive right in. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special gathering, this Lemon Blueberry Bread will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Lemon Blueberry Bread starts with simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the brightness of fresh lemon zest to the lusciousness of sour cream, every component adds depth, moisture, and flavor balance to this delightful loaf.

  • All-purpose flour: provides structure and a tender crumb to the bread.
  • Cornstarch: helps to keep the texture light and soft, preventing the bread from becoming dense.
  • Baking powder: gives the bread its rise and fluffy texture.
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Granulated sugar: sweetens the bread just enough without overpowering the lemon.
  • Fresh lemon zest: packs an intense burst of lemon flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps with moistness in the loaf.
  • Olive oil: contributes to the tender crumb and adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
  • Large eggs: provide structure while keeping the bread light and airy.
  • Sour cream: makes the bread irresistibly moist and adds a slight tangy note.
  • Lemon juice: deepens the citrus flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Blueberries (fresh or frozen): bursts of juicy sweetness throughout every bite.
  • Cream cheese (for glaze): brings a creamy tang that perfectly complements the lemon.
  • Powdered sugar: sweetens the glaze and helps create a smooth texture.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan, lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Then, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This dry mix will ensure your loaf rises evenly and has the perfect crumb.

Step 2: Infuse Sugar With Lemon Zest

Here’s a neat trick that amplifies lemon flavor: add your sugar and lemon zest into a large mixing bowl and rub them together with your hands. This releases the natural oils in the lemon zest, infusing the sugar with vibrant citrus notes that will shine through in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Oil With Lemon Sugar

Next, add room temperature butter and olive oil to the lemon-sugar mixture. Beat it with a hand or stand mixer for about 90 seconds until it turns creamy and well incorporated. This step enriches your batter and sets the stage for a moist, tender bread.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. That attention to mixing detail helps keep your bread light and airy. Once the eggs are in, fold in the sour cream for extra moisture and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the lemon’s brightness.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Lemon Juice

Gradually add half of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and continue mixing gently until everything is just combined. Add the remaining flour and stir by hand to avoid over mixing, which keeps the bread delightfully tender.

Step 6: Add Blueberries and Assemble

To prevent blueberries from sinking, pour a quarter of the batter into the loaf pan first and spread it evenly. Fold the blueberries gently into the remaining batter, then pour it all on top in the pan. This technique helps keep those juicy blueberries lovely and evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift it out with the parchment paper and transfer it to a rack to cool fully before slicing. Cooling thoroughly keeps the Lemon Blueberry Bread moist and delicious.

Step 8: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

Whip together the cream cheese and butter for 30 seconds until smooth. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice, then beat until the glaze is creamy and fluffy—add more powdered sugar to thicken or lemon juice to thin as needed. Spread this luscious glaze atop the cooled bread and adorn with extra blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a fresh, elegant touch, scatter a handful of fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest across the glaze. Not only does this elevate the presentation, but it also enhances the vibrant flavors of the bread, making every serving feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Lemon Blueberry Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For a more indulgent twist, serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Lemon Blueberry Bread into a delightful dessert centerpiece by slicing it into thick pieces and layering it with fresh berries and mascarpone in a trifle dish. Or, create a charming brunch spread by offering slices with a variety of nut butters, jams, and fresh fruit alongside. The possibilities are as bright as the lemon flavor itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Lemon Blueberry Bread is baked and glazed, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature before serving so the flavors and texture come back to life beautifully.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bring it to room temperature before serving for that freshly baked experience.

Reheating

To enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Bread warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. This helps bring out the bread’s moist tenderness and revives the glaze’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to fold them in gently without thawing to prevent the batter from turning purple or watery.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will maintain the moist and tangy qualities of the bread.

How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?

Adding a layer of plain batter to the pan before folding in the blueberries helps keep the berries suspended, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for best texture.

Why is my bread dense or dry?

Over mixing the batter can lead to a denser texture, so mix just until combined. Also, be careful not to over bake; check for doneness with a toothpick and remove the bread once it comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing this Lemon Blueberry Bread—it’s vibrant, moist, and packed with delightful bursts of flavor sure to brighten any day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!

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