If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines zesty brightness with juicy sweetness, this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect quick bread that brings together fresh blueberries and vibrant lemon flavors into a moist, tender loaf topped with a shiny, tangy glaze. Every bite feels like a sunny morning, making it a beloved choice whether you’re serving breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this vibrant and delicious lemon blueberry bread, you only need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for the bread’s tender crumb, providing structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Assists with leavening and adds tenderness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the loaf just right without overpowering.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Bursts with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds tangy brightness for that classic lemon taste.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the lemon and blueberry flavors.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 cup, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour): The star of the show, bringing juicy pops of sweetness throughout.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): For the glaze, creating a smooth and sweet finish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1–2 tablespoons): Mixed with powdered sugar to make the tangy glaze.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or use nonstick spray. This step ensures your bread will bake evenly and come out effortlessly from the pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients now helps spread the leavening agents evenly for a perfect rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, a key to creating a tender and light texture in your bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemon
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and richness to the batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so be gentle here. The batter should look slightly lumpy but well unified.
Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries
Carefully fold in the blueberries that have been tossed in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. This step ensures the fruit is evenly distributed, giving delicious bursts of blueberry in every slice.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know your Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is ready when it’s golden and fragrant.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread and allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe even more inviting, top it with a few fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This adds vibrant color and an extra hit of freshness that makes each slice feel special.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of creamy mascarpone. You can also serve it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a balanced and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thickly and serve it warm spread with honey butter or cream cheese. For a brunch twist, cut into cubes and make mini bread pudding bites topped with additional lemon glaze and fresh berries for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigeration will keep it moist for up to a week.
Freezing
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the bread’s softness and accentuates the lemon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture that could make the bread soggy. Toss them in flour before mixing to prevent them from sinking during baking.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. It adds similar moisture and tanginess, maintaining that tender crumb and fresh flavor.
How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?
For an extra zesty punch, simply add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter. The zest contains essential oils that intensify the lemon aroma and taste in the bread.
Is this bread suitable for freezing after glazing?
It’s best to freeze the bread before glazing to preserve the fresh texture and prevent the glaze from melting or becoming sticky. Add the glaze after thawing and just before serving.
Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?
You can! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to toss the fruit in flour to keep them suspended in the batter.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to share with friends and family, perfect for brightening up any day. Don’t wait to try baking it yourself—it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!
