Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Picture this: the moment you slice into a freshly baked lemon blueberry bread, a burst of zesty lemon aroma fills your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of juicy blueberries. The golden crust crackles as your knife glides through, revealing a moist, tender crumb speckled with vibrant purple gems. Serving up this beauty feels like sharing a warm hug, bright, fresh, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast treat, an impressive brunch centerpiece, or a snack to brighten your afternoon, this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

• Ready in 1 hour: From prep to glaze, you can have this delightful bread on your table in just about an hour. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Uses simple ingredients: No complicated shopping lists here—just pantry staples and fresh blueberries combine to create magic.
• Perfect for beginners: If you’re new to baking, this recipe’s clear steps and forgiving technique make it an absolute joy to master.
• Impressive presentation: That vibrant lemon glaze cascading over the golden loaf adds a bakery-worthy finish without the fuss.
• Customizable: Love a bit of crunch or texture? Add nuts or swap in frozen berries for a twist that suits your taste.

Why This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy lemon zest and sweet, bursting blueberries thanks to a few key techniques. First, gently folding in the blueberries ensures they stay plump and juicy, rather than turning into a purple blur. The lemon juice and zest brighten the batter, making each bite refreshingly vibrant. Finally, the glaze, made from simple icing sugar and lemon juice, dries into a glossy, slightly tangy topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and flair. These thoughtful elements come together to create a loaf that’s irresistibly moist, wonderfully flavorful, and beautifully eye-catching.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a loaf that sings with fresh, bright flavors. Each one plays an essential role in perfecting both texture and taste.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the bread, creating a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bread rises beautifully, light and airy.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tart lemon.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making each taste pop.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Provides moisture for a luscious, soft texture.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread tender and moist without heaviness.
• Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and gives structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, subtle sweetness that rounds out the lemony brightness.
• Lemon, juiced and zested (1): The star of the show – fresh zest and juice infuse the bread with bold citrus flavor.
• Fresh blueberries (1 1/2 cups, divided): Bursting with juicy sweetness and gorgeous color throughout the loaf.
• Icing sugar (½ cup): For the luscious lemon glaze that crowns the bread.
• Lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons): Mixed with icing sugar to create that perfect tangy glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• All-purpose flour: Try whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture will be a bit denser.
• Milk: Substitute with any plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free twist.
• Vegetable oil: You can use melted coconut oil or melted butter for richer flavor.
• Fresh blueberries: Frozen blueberries work beautifully—just don’t thaw before adding to prevent bleeding.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil. This ensures your loaf will release easily after baking and have crisp edges for that irresistible crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also line the pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This even distribution prevents uneven rising and guarantees each bite is balanced with sweetness, lift, and that touch of saltiness that makes flavors pop.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Your kitchen will instantly brighten with the fresh citrus scent as you stir these vibrant ingredients together.

💡 Pro Tip: Use freshly grated lemon zest for the most intense flavor—avoid the bitter white pith.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. Then, carefully fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, preserving their shape and juiciness.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Add More Blueberries

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries over the surface; they’ll create lovely bursts of color and flavor on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 55 minutes until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of lemon and berries filling your kitchen will have you hovering near the oven door.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Allow your loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period lets the crumb set perfectly and makes slicing a delight.

Step 8: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk the icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth and pourable but still thick. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed. This glaze gives the bread a shiny, sweet-tart finish.

Step 9: Drizzle Glaze and Let Set

Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides like a glossy waterfall. Allow it to dry completely before slicing to keep the gorgeous glaze intact.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut thick, satisfying slices and watch faces light up with every bite. This bread tastes fantastic warm or at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the batter: Will develop gluten and result in dense, tough bread instead of soft and tender.
• Using frozen blueberries without tossing in flour: Causes the berries to bleed, turning the batter purple and affecting texture.
• Skipping the lemon zest: You lose that bright citrus zing that makes this bread special.
• Baking at too high a temperature: Leads to uneven baking or a burnt crust before the inside is cooked.
• Not letting the bread cool before glazing: Results in glaze melting off and a sticky mess rather than that pretty, set finish.
• Forgetting to grease or line the pan: Can cause the bread to stick and break when removing.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe, why not switch it up to suit your mood or the season?

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with lemon’s brightness.

Blueberry Almond Crunch

Fold in sliced almonds and top with a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking for a crisp, toasty finish.

Frozen Berry Medley

Swap fresh blueberries for a mix of frozen berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a tart, colorful experience.

Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl

Swirl softened cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and lemon zest through the batter before baking for a rich, tangy surprise.

Orange Blueberry Bread

Replace lemon juice and zest with fresh orange to make a sweeter, more mellow citrus loaf.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh lemon zest or a few fresh blueberries on top of the glazed loaf add inviting pops of color and zest. A light dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for breakfast, or with a cup of hot tea or coffee to elevate your snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh lemons and blueberries for a stunning display. You can also cut into mini loaf-sized portions for sweet party favors or brunch bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

Slice the bread and freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop directly into the toaster for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth and intensify the lemon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe?

Yes! Just toss them in flour before folding into the batter to prevent bleeding and keep the batter’s beautiful color.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice, though the zest and fresh juice give the best flavor. Add extra zest if you have it on hand.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Is vegetable oil necessary?

Not at all! Melted butter or light olive oil can be swapped in for delicious variations.

How long will the glazed bread stay fresh?

Stored properly, it stays moist and tasty for 3 days at room temperature and longer when refrigerated.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use two loaf pans, but be sure to adjust baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.

How thick should I make the lemon glaze?

The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape but pourable enough to drizzle elegantly—adjust with more sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Is it okay to add nuts?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and complement the lemon and blueberry flavors wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade loaf that brings sunshine into your kitchen and a smile to your table. This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe combines bright citrus, juicy berries, and a sweet glaze into a loaf that feels both comforting and celebratory. Every bite is a little escape to a summer garden in full bloom, no matter the day or season.

Have you tried this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍋🫐

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