Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread

Name: Blueberry Lemon Quick 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 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 cup fresh blueberries

Highlighted under: Quick Fix Dishes

I absolutely love baking quick breads, especially when they combine the bright flavors of lemon and the juicy sweetness of blueberries. This Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread has become a staple in my kitchen. It's the perfect treat to enjoy with morning coffee or as a delightful dessert. In just over an hour, you can whip up a loaf that’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Every bite is a burst of tangy lemon paired beautifully with plump blueberries, making it a refreshing twist on traditional quick bread.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-06T17:53:36.214Z

During one of my weekend baking sessions, I decided to experiment with a classic quick bread recipe by adding bright lemon zest and juicy blueberries. This combination turned out to be a game changer! The tangy citrus not only enhances the blueberries' flavor but also adds a beautiful aroma to the kitchen while it bakes.

I used fresh blueberries, which I recommend for the best flavor, and made sure not to over-mix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. This quick bread makes for a perfect snack or can be served as a lovely breakfast option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh blueberry and zesty lemon flavors
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion
Moist texture that stays fresh for days

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The quality of your blueberries makes a significant difference in the flavor of this Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread. Fresh, plump blueberries will burst with natural sweetness and juice while baking, enhancing the overall texture and taste. If fresh blueberries aren't available, frozen blueberries can be used as a substitute; however, they might release more juice, slightly altering the consistency. If using frozen, try to fold them into the batter while still slightly frozen to reduce bleeding into the batter.

Lemon zest is crucial for infusing the bread with that signature bright flavor. Use a zester or fine grater to capture only the outer yellow skin of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. For an extra lemony kick, consider adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the wet mixture. This will brighten the flavors even more and make your bread truly delightful.

Baking to Perfection

Achieving the right texture in your quick bread hinges on careful mixing and baking. Once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf. The batter should appear slightly lumpy with specks of flour visible—this is normal! As it bakes, the bread will rise beautifully and become fluffy. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which typically takes 50 minutes but can vary based on your oven calibration.

If you find that the tops of your quick bread are browning too quickly, you can tent a piece of aluminum foil over the loaf during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning while allowing the bread to cook through. Be sure to monitor closely and trust your instincts—each oven behaves a bit differently, and knowing when to adjust is key.

Ingredients

For the Bread

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

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries to the batter.

Bake

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

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, serve your Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread with a lemon glaze or a dollop of cream cheese spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread is perfect for making ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer preservation. If you freeze it, slice the bread first for easier thawing and quick snacking. To enjoy, simply leave a slice at room temperature to thaw or pop it in a toaster until warmed through.

When preparing for a brunch or gathering, consider making multiple loaves in advance. You can easily double the recipe and bake two loaves simultaneously. Just ensure to rotate them halfway through the baking time to promote even cooking. This not only saves time but also gives your guests a delightful array of freshly baked treats.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! A strip of lavender or a dash of cardamom can add an intriguing twist. If you love nuts, folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the fruit. You can even replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nutty flavor—just be mindful of the slight changes in moisture and texture.

Serving this quick bread warm is always a treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely sweetness, or you can serve slices with a smear of cream cheese for a deliciously rich contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal afternoon snack. For a fun touch, try toasting slices and topping them with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an invigorating morning breakfast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer without thawing.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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?

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

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.