Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful treat that bursts with fresh, zesty flavor and tender texture, this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is just what you need. It combines the bright tang of lemon and the juicy sweetness of blueberries into a moist, buttery bread that feels like sunshine in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or an indulgent tea-time companion, this bread is simple enough to whip up any day yet impressive enough to share with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for that luscious lemon glaze that ties everything together so beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to make this bread irresistibly delicious.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for your bread, providing structure and crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread while encouraging a slightly crisp crust.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add a lovely golden color.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the bread soft and balanced.
• Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Brings that fresh citrus zing crucial to the flavor profile.
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs an aromatic punch of lemon oils.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
• Fresh blueberries (1 1/2 cups): Juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast the tart lemon.
• All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon for coating blueberries): Keeps blueberries suspended throughout the batter so they don’t sink to the bottom.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the lemon glaze, adding sweetness and smoothness.
• Fresh lemon juice (2-3 tablespoons for glaze): Creates a tangy, glossy finish that enhances the bread’s brightness.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your batter is made. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your bread releases cleanly after baking. This small but essential prep step lays the foundation for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the bread rise uniformly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the tender crumb of the bread. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain the batter’s smooth consistency.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Flavorings

Blend in the milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and vibrant lemon flavor to the batter, making the bread taste fresh and lively rather than heavy or dull.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so it’s important to stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks.

Step 6: Incorporate Blueberries

Toss the fresh blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. This trick prevents the berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter to distribute them evenly.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. A smooth surface helps the bread bake evenly and look beautiful once done.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of lemon and blueberry filling your kitchen is a good sign that your bread is nearing perfection.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Glazing a warm loaf will cause the glaze to melt and run off, so patience pays off here!

Step 10: Make and Drizzle Lemon Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth to create your glaze. Drizzle this luscious, tangy glaze over the cooled bread, adding a shiny, sweet finish that elevates the entire experience.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To add a charming touch, consider sprinkling fresh lemon zest or whole blueberries over the glaze. A small dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, delicate look that pairs wonderfully with the glaze’s shine.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of Greek yogurt for breakfast. For afternoon gatherings, a sparkling lemon soda or fresh lemonade can complement the citrus notes brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, slice the bread and serve it in rustic picnic baskets lined with a vibrant napkin or on a colorful ceramic plate. You could also layer slices between parchment paper for gifting, making this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe a thoughtful homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread loosely covered at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can be kept frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Your lemon glaze will soften perfectly, making it taste just like the day it was made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before tossing with flour to prevent excess moisture from altering the batter.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons for juice and zest?

You can substitute bottled lemon juice, but fresh zest is irreplaceable for true brightness. If needed, lemon extract can lend some aroma, but fresh zest always shines best.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly done.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep it moist and tender.

Will the bread taste too tangy with lemon glaze?

Not at all! The glaze balances sweetness and tartness, enhancing the lemon flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the bread and blueberries.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it captures the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every slice. It’s bright, fresh, and studded with juicy blueberries that make it feel like a small celebration. Whether you’re making it for a simple breakfast or a special occasion, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise it will become a cherished staple in your home just as it is in mine!

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