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: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for blueberries)

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

I love starting my day with a slice of Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread. It's incredibly moist and bursting with fruity flavor from fresh blueberries and a hint of zesty lemon. This recipe is so easy to whip up, and it fills my kitchen with a delicious aroma that makes it hard to resist. Whether it's for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, this bread has become a staple in my household. I just can’t get enough of how it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee!

Created by

Kerensa Trelawney

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:39:35.354Z

Making Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread was born out of my experiment to combine two of my favorite flavors. I remember the first time I added lemon zest to blueberry bread; it elevated the entire recipe, making it bright and refreshing. The balance between sweet blueberries and the tangy lemon is just divine!

One of the best tips I learned while baking this bread is to lightly coat the blueberries in flour before folding them in. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking and ensures a lovely burst of flavor in every bite. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful balance of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon
Perfectly moist texture that lasts for several days
Great for breakfast or an afternoon snack

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best flavor in your Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread. Fresh blueberries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, while lemon zest adds a fragrant brightness that elevates the entire loaf. Opt for organic lemons if possible, as their zest is often more aromatic without any wax coating. Avoid frozen blueberries if you can, as they release too much moisture and can make the bread soggy.

Additionally, using fresh buttermilk contributes to the bread's tenderness. Buttermilk contains acids that react with the baking soda, yielding a tender texture and creating a lovely rise. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes.

Baking Tips for Perfect Texture

To achieve the ideal moist texture, it's important not to overmix the batter once the blueberries are added. Overmixing can lead to tough bread, as it develops the gluten in the flour too much. I recommend using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon during the folding process to gently incorporate the blueberries without breaking them apart. You want to see streaks of flour but not completely blend the blueberries in.

Another key baking tip is to check your bread towards the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, consider placing a loosely tented piece of foil over the loaf for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning while allowing the center to cook through.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start baking your breakfast bread:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for blueberries)

Once you have everything ready, you can start the fun part—baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious bread:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavors

Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, and mix well.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry.

Prepare Blueberries

Toss your blueberries with 1 tbsp of flour to coat them lightly.

Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold the blueberries into the batter without over-mixing.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick 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.

Now enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top once the bread has cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until your desired consistency is reached.

Storing and Freezing

To store your Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bread, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, it can stay fresh for up to four days on your kitchen counter or in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. This makes it easy to grab a piece for breakfast or a snack later on.

To freeze, place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be enjoyed directly from the freezer, or I recommend letting them sit out for about 15–20 minutes to soften before toasting lightly for a warm treat.

Serving Suggestions

This breakfast bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience by pairing it with a smear of whipped cream cheese or mascarpone. The creamy texture complements the fruity flavors beautifully and adds a touch of richness. Alternatively, a light drizzle of lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice can give a sweet, tart finish.

For weekends or special occasions, serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. This not only enhances the breakfast experience but also provides a colorful presentation. Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds on top can introduce some crunch and additional health benefits, creating a well-rounded breakfast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just fold them in directly without thawing to prevent the batter from turning blue.

→ How do I store the bread?

Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute.

→ Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add great texture, and you can also use raspberries for a different flavor.