Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread

Name: Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Ideas

When I first tried my hand at baking Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread, I was amazed by how effortlessly the flavors came together. The bright, zesty notes of lemon paired beautifully with the tart sweetness of blueberries, creating a loaf that was both refreshing and comforting. The rustic nature of this bread, with its crispy crust and soft interior, makes it a true delight to slice into. I love sharing this loaf with friends, whether for breakfast or as an afternoon treat with tea.

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:57:36.425Z

I remember the first time I made this Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread – it was a sunny afternoon, and the bright flavors of lemon and blueberry filled my kitchen. The aroma was intoxicating, and as it baked, I could hardly wait to taste it. I discovered that using fresh blueberries gives the best flavor and juiciness, while a touch of lemon zest enhances the overall brightness of this bread.

What makes this bread so inviting is its rustic charm. I often bake it with my children, who love mixing the ingredients and watching the dough rise. We use a simple method that requires no kneading, allowing the flavors to develop naturally during the rising process. Trust me, this helps to create a delightful crust and a tender crumb that leaves everyone asking for more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors
The crispy crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, airy interior
An easy recipe that brings joy to both baking and eating

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh blueberries is crucial for achieving the best flavor in this Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread. Their natural tartness paired with the brightness of lemon zest elevates the entire loaf. When choosing blueberries, look for plump, firm berries that are deep blue in color. If you're using frozen blueberries, be sure to fold them in gently and consider adding them while still partially frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter too much.

Similarly, incorporating high-quality lemon zest will enhance the citrusy notes of the bread. The zest contains essential oils that provide a vibrant aroma and flavor. I recommend using organic lemons when possible, as they typically have a more robust zest flavor and are free from pesticides.

Baking Techniques for Success

Mixing the batter gently is key to achieving a light and airy loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread due to the development of gluten in the flour. Aim to combine the wet and dry ingredients until no dry flour remains, but it's okay if a few lumps still exist. This method ensures a tender crumb with a delightfully rustic texture.

While baking, watch for the bread to develop a nice golden-brown crust around the edges, which typically takes around 30-40 minutes. To avoid overbaking, start checking for doneness at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Make sure everything is measured and ready before starting the mixing process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and sugar until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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. Once cool, slice and serve to enjoy!

Serve the bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use organic lemons and fresh blueberries. You can also add a drizzle of lemon glaze after baking for an extra citrusy touch.

Storage Tips

Once your Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag. Just make sure to wrap each slice individually if you plan to pull them out one at a time. This way, you can enjoy a slice of summer any time of the year.

When reheating frozen slices, it's best to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them briefly in a toaster or oven for that fresh-baked experience. A light sprinkle of sugar on top before toasting can add a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread is versatile and can be served in various ways. For breakfast, it pairs beautifully with a spread of whipped cream cheese or a light coating of lemon-flavored butter. Additionally, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for a special touch.

For an afternoon treat, serve slices with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing iced tea. The contrasting flavors of the bread and tea create a wonderful experience. Adding fresh lemon slices or a sprig of mint to your beverage can also enhance the overall presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but avoid thawing them to prevent the batter from turning blue.

→ 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 longer freshness.

→ Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

→ Is it possible to add nuts or seeds?

Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.