Sunshine Lemon Blueberry Bread!

Introduction

Transform everyday ingredients into a burst of sunshine with this Lemon Blueberry Bread! This recipe is super easy to follow, perfect for beginner bakers, and results in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delightful recipe!

Why This Works

This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The bright lemon zest complements the juicy blueberries beautifully, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. It’s the kind of recipe that even busy weeknights can handle!

Key Ingredients

• 🍋 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
• 🫐 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 🍯 ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 2 large eggs
• 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
• 🌾 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful loaf.

2️⃣ Zest the lemons and set aside. Then, juice the lemons and measure out ¾ cup of juice. You can use a little extra if you like a more lemony taste!

3️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you’re feeling extra strong!

4️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.

5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

6️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

7️⃣ Gently fold in the blueberries. Don’t worry if a few burst – it adds to the moistness!

8️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

9️⃣ Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the zest and juice.
• If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• For a sweeter loaf, add another ¼ cup of sugar.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the bread bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the baking time accordingly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Start checking around the 50-minute mark and add some time if necessary.

Crunch Factor

While this bread isn’t particularly crunchy, the slightly crisp edges contrast beautifully with the soft, moist interior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make this recipe even quicker, use a box of lemon cake mix as a base and simply add the blueberries and zest. Follow the instructions on the baking mix box.
• For a streusel topping, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
• Use a muffin tin to make individual lemon blueberry muffins. Bake time will be significantly shorter!

Storage Tips

Store leftover Lemon Blueberry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This bread makes a lovely homemade gift! Wrap it in cellophane with a pretty ribbon, or place it in a reusable fabric bag with a handwritten tag.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Raspberry Lemon: Replace blueberries with raspberries.
🌟 Orange Blueberry: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon.
🌟 Lemon Poppy Seed: Add ¼ cup poppy seeds to the batter.
🌟 Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Swirl: Make a cream cheese frosting with lemon zest and swirl it into the batter before baking.

Troubleshooting

• Bread is too dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier and reduce the baking time.
• Bread is gummy: You may have underbaked it. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes and check again.
• Bread sunk in the middle: You might have opened the oven too often during baking. Try to avoid opening the door unless absolutely necessary.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, absolutely! Just add them directly to the batter.
• Can I substitute the buttermilk? Yes, you can use 1 cup of milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• How do I know when the bread is done? A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can bake it a day or two in advance.
• What can I serve it with? It’s delicious on its own, or with a cup of coffee or tea!

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and let us know what you think – we’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #LemonBlueberryBread!