Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread

Name: Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas

I love starting my day with a slice of homemade Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread. The combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries creates a delightful morning treat that satisfies my cravings for something sweet yet refreshing. As I bake this bread, the aroma fills my kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite before it’s even cooled. This recipe has become a staple for breakfast gatherings, and it’s so simple, I find myself making it often, whether for a special occasion or just because I can.

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:21:34.269Z

When I first experimented with this Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread, I was mesmerized by how well the citrus notes paired with the sweet berries. I remember it took a couple of tries to get the balance just right, ensuring that neither the lemon nor blueberries overpowered each other. This is critical for achieving that perfect zing!

One invaluable tip I discovered is to toss the blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, making for a beautiful presentation that's as tasty as it is visually appealing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing flavor from zesty lemon and fresh blueberries
Moist, tender crumb that's perfect with morning coffee
Great for meal prep or as a delightful brunch centerpiece

Unlocking the Flavor of Blueberries and Lemons

Choosing ripe blueberries is crucial for this recipe. Opt for fresh, plump blueberries that are deep blue in color and firm to the touch. These berries will not only add a burst of sweetness but also create a beautiful contrast against the lemon's zesty brightness. If fresh blueberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen blueberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

The lemon zest provides the essential aromatic oils that give this breakfast bread its signature flavor. Using a microplane zester allows for finely grating the lemon, releasing maximum flavor without the bitterness that comes from the pith. For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice as well, which will further enhance the citrus notes and add a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature but not melted. This step is vital for achieving a light texture in the bread. Mix until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment can be especially helpful if you have one, as it assists in incorporating air efficiently.

While mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, do so gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Stop mixing as soon as you see the last streaks of flour; it’s okay if the batter looks slightly lumpy. This will help maintain a tender crumb and keep the bread light and airy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create the perfect breakfast bread:

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you'll be just minutes away from enjoying this delicious breakfast bread!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your bread:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and flavorings

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Incorporate dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.

Fold in blueberries

Gently fold in the flour-coated blueberries to ensure they are evenly dispersed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve sliced and enjoy!

Your Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of lemon glaze on top once it's cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

If you have leftovers, this bread stores wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Slice the bread first, then wrap each piece individually to prevent freezer burn; it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply toast a slice directly from the freezer or thaw it in the fridge overnight.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can also prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt, then store them in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly throw together the wet ingredients and have freshly baked bread in under an hour on busy mornings.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread is delightful on its own, but it can be enhanced with a simple lemon glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, and drizzle it over the cooled bread. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish that is visually appealing.

If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with flavor variations. You could replace some of the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry bread. Alternatively, adding a teaspoon of dried lavender along with the lemon zest will provide a lovely floral note that pairs beautifully with the berries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to toss them in flour to prevent them from sinking.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I serve this with?

This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of yogurt.