Lemon Blueberry Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with bursts of juicy blueberries and bright citrus flavor in every bite. This quick bread is soft, moist, and made even more indulgent with a silky lemon glaze drizzled over the top. It’s ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a light dessert. Whether you’re chasing away winter blues or celebrating a sunny day, this loaf brings a bit of summer brightness any time of year.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Bread
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
1½ cups fresh blueberries
For the Glaze
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest using your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant and moistened.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the lemon sugar with butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add the buttermilk and stir until fully incorporated—do not overmix.
Gently fold in blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and allow it to set.
Nutrients (per slice)
Calories: 400
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 83mg
Sodium: 343mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 34g
Why Lemon and Blueberry Are the Perfect Pair
Few flavor combinations strike the balance of sweet and tangy quite like lemon and blueberry. The natural tartness of fresh lemon zest and juice cuts through the sugary richness of the batter, while the burst of blueberries adds little pockets of fruity sweetness. It’s a flavor profile that wakes up the palate and feels both comforting and refreshing at the same time. The citrus not only complements the berries—it enhances them, bringing out their best qualities in every slice.
The Role of Cream Cheese in Creating a Moist Crumb
What sets this lemon blueberry bread apart from others is the addition of cream cheese to the batter. Softened and creamed with butter and sugar, it adds richness and contributes to an ultra-moist, tender crumb. Cream cheese acts as both a flavor enhancer and a texture booster, giving the bread just a hint of tang and a melt-in-your-mouth softness that lingers long after the first bite. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact on the overall eating experience.
Buttermilk for Balance and Softness
Another star ingredient in this loaf is buttermilk, which brings a gentle tang and reacts with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture. Buttermilk’s acidity helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft, moist bread that stays fresh longer than typical quick breads. It also balances the sweetness of the batter and enhances the brightness of the lemon flavor, ensuring every bite feels light and vibrant rather than heavy or overly rich.
A Beautifully Balanced Texture
Lemon Blueberry Bread is all about contrast and harmony. The blueberries burst as they bake, creating little pockets of jammy goodness throughout the loaf. The bread itself is dense enough to hold its structure yet soft and springy enough to feel like a treat. It’s not a cake and not quite a muffin—somewhere perfectly in between. Each slice cuts cleanly, holds its shape, and feels luxurious without being overly decadent.
The Finishing Touch: A Tangy Lemon Glaze
To elevate the flavor even further, a silky lemon glaze is drizzled over the top of the cooled loaf. Made with confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, the glaze adds just the right amount of citrusy sweetness and a touch of sheen that makes the bread feel bakery-worthy. It hardens slightly as it sets, giving the loaf a delicate crust that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior. Not only does the glaze taste amazing, but it also enhances the visual appeal of the bread, making it suitable for gifting, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something beautiful.
A Versatile Loaf for Any Occasion
This bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it warm from the oven for a cozy weekend breakfast, or pack a slice in your lunchbox for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It’s just sweet enough to serve as dessert, especially when topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also a lovely addition to a brunch spread, pairing beautifully with coffee, tea, or a citrusy mimosa. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, this loaf fits the moment with ease.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries—Both Work
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s flexible with ingredients. While fresh blueberries are ideal for their vibrant flavor and texture, frozen berries work just as well. If using frozen, simply toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking or bleeding too much color. This means you can enjoy lemon blueberry bread all year long, even when berries are out of season.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure the best results, start by using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, cream cheese, and eggs. This helps everything blend together smoothly and evenly. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—this will keep the texture light and prevent the loaf from becoming tough. Grease and flour your loaf pan well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, then allow the loaf to cool before glazing to ensure the topping sets properly and doesn’t melt into the warm bread.
Storage and Freezing for Later
Lemon Blueberry Bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for a few days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, it freezes very well. Simply wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or let it come to room temperature on the counter. The glaze may lose some of its shine, but the flavor and texture of the bread remain just as delicious.
Conclusion
Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful way to add a little sunshine to your day. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart, moist crumb, and glossy lemon glaze, this quick bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday treat, or served to guests with tea or coffee, it’s a recipe that brings joy in every slice. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, it’s a loaf that delivers comfort, elegance, and fresh flavor all in one. Keep it in your recipe box for any time you need a taste of spring, a pop of brightness, or just a moment of sweet satisfaction.
