This Lemon and Blueberry Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that combines the bright zest of lemon with the sweet pop of blueberries. Easy to whip up, it’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a casual dessert. Think of it as a cross between a pound cake and a muffin loaf – rich, soft, and bursting with berry goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (some lumps are okay).

5. Gently fold in the blueberries.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

8. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Optional Glaze: Mix fresh lemon juice with confectioners’ sugar to create a drizzle and pour it over the cooled bread for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrients

• Calories: 306 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 44g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 64mg

• Sodium: 310mg

• Potassium: 88mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 23g

• Vitamin A: 435 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 86mg

• Iron: 1mg

A Versatile Recipe for All Seasons

This bread strikes the perfect balance between citrus and berry, making it suitable year-round. During spring and summer, it pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea or lemonade, enhancing the seasonal brightness. In cooler months, the vibrant flavor brings a refreshing twist to heavier comfort meals. The bright lemon zest and fresh blueberries bring a taste of sunshine regardless of the time of year, making it a wonderful staple in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon and Blueberry Bread isn’t just easy to make—it also ticks all the right boxes for a perfect homemade baked good. It’s moist, fluffy, and slightly dense in a way that makes every bite feel rich and satisfying. The tartness of lemon complements the sweetness of blueberries so effortlessly, and the touch of vanilla gives it an aromatic, cake-like depth.

What makes it even better is how beginner-friendly it is. No special tools are required, and the batter comes together in two bowls—one for dry ingredients and another for the wet. Fold in the blueberries, pour into a loaf pan, and bake. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for last-minute guests, bake sales, or when you just need a cozy kitchen moment on the weekend.

Texture and Taste: The Perfect Pairing

Imagine a cross between a lemon pound cake and a blueberry muffin. That’s what this bread delivers. The exterior develops a golden crust that gives way to a soft, fluffy interior. The blueberries burst during baking, infusing the loaf with little pockets of juicy sweetness. Meanwhile, the sour cream and melted butter give it richness and moisture, while the lemon zest perfumes the entire loaf with citrusy fragrance.

Every slice is perfectly balanced: not too sweet, not too tangy, and with just the right density to feel indulgent without being heavy. Toast it lightly for breakfast or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert—it’s incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf is delicious on its own, but there are so many ways to enjoy it:

Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter for a breakfast twist.
Add a drizzle of lemon glaze over the top for a bakery-style finish.
Serve it alongside fresh berries and yogurt as a light brunch offering.
Pair it with tea or coffee for a midday pick-me-up.
Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a casual dessert.

For a more decadent presentation, the optional lemon glaze takes this bread to another level. Just mix lemon juice with powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle it generously over the cooled loaf. The glaze adds an extra punch of flavor and a beautiful finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.

How to Store and Keep Fresh

One of the best things about this bread is that it stores well, making it perfect for prepping ahead or gifting. To keep it fresh, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the loaf (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. To serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. A quick warm-up in the toaster or microwave brings it back to that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While this bread is certainly a treat, it comes with a few hidden nutritional benefits thanks to the wholesome ingredients used.

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, and are known to support heart health and brain function. Lemon zest contains compounds like limonene and flavonoids that may offer anti-inflammatory properties. Using sour cream adds protein and calcium, while eggs contribute to a rich source of healthy fats and essential vitamins.

Of course, this is still a baked good, but these ingredients add more than just flavor—they bring in small boosts of nutrition that make each bite feel a little more worthwhile.

Tips for the Best Lemon and Blueberry Bread

To ensure your bread turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use fresh lemon zest—avoid bottled juice or artificial flavors. The zest provides intense citrus aroma and flavor.
Toss your blueberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
Check for doneness with a toothpick—insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), it’s ready.
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes for cleaner, neater slices.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to put your own spin on it. Here are some fun variations:

Swap the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed twist.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
Add a crumble topping made from butter, flour, and sugar for a bakery-style loaf.
Mix in chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added crunch and texture.

You can even turn this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin and reducing the bake time to 20–25 minutes. It’s a great grab-and-go option that still delivers all the flavor in a portable form.

Perfect for Gifting

Homemade baked goods make thoughtful gifts, and this Lemon and Blueberry Bread is no exception. Wrap it in parchment paper, tie it with twine, and you have a beautiful, heartfelt gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Add a hand-written note with serving suggestions or a small container of glaze on the side for an extra special touch.

Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, brunch gathering, or gifting it to a neighbor, it’s a universally loved treat that’s sure to impress.

Conclusion

Lemon and Blueberry Bread is more than just a sweet loaf—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. With its buttery crumb, juicy blueberries, and zesty citrus aroma, it satisfies every craving from breakfast to dessert. It’s easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for entertaining, and versatile enough to enjoy all year long. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or a few days later with a warm cup of tea, this bread brings homemade comfort and bakery-worthy flavor in every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—and a favorite with everyone who gets a slice.