Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Picture this: The moment you slice into a freshly baked loaf, the sweet tartness of lemon mingles with bursts of juicy blueberries, while a glossy lemon glaze invites you to dive right in. The aroma alone is intoxicating, filling your kitchen with bright, zesty notes that instantly brighten your day. This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is exactly the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug from a cherished friend—comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re craving something quick for breakfast, a stunning dessert to impress guests, or simply a little slice of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon, this bread checks all those boxes. Let’s explore why this recipe will soon become your go-to for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

• Ready in just about 1 hour and 20 minutes: From start to finish, you can have this delectable bread cooling on your rack before you know it—perfect for busy days when you still want to bake something special.
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items. Odds are you already have most of what’s needed to whip this up on a whim!
• Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike: The straightforward steps make this recipe accessible, while the final product still wows with bakery-quality flavor and texture.
• Impressive presentation guaranteed: That shiny lemon glaze drizzled atop the loaf, paired with vibrant blueberries peeking through, creates a treat you’ll be proud to serve to family and friends.
• Customizable to your taste: Love it a little more tart? Add zest or swap in different berries. Prefer less sweet? Adjust the glaze. This recipe is delightful and flexible!

Why This Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between moistness and crumb thanks to a few key secrets. Using sour cream adds a tangy richness that keeps the bread tender without weighing it down. The combination of baking powder and baking soda causes just the right rise and fluffiness, ensuring your loaf isn’t dense or heavy. Adding blueberries both inside and on top means each slice bursts with sweet, juicy pockets of flavor, while the lemon glaze soaks just enough sweetness and zing into every bite. Altogether, these thoughtful techniques create a loaf that’s light, flavorful, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity. Fresh, everyday ingredients come together to create magic in the oven.

• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
• Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
• Olive oil or preferred oil: Keeps the bread soft and adds richness.
• Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add structure.
• Lemon zest: Infuses bright, fresh citrus flavor throughout.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leaveners that produce a tender, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances sweetness.
• Fresh blueberries: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
• Powdered sugar and lemon juice: Combine for the luscious, tangy lemon glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Sour cream: Substitute with plain full-fat Greek yogurt for similar moisture and tang.
• Olive oil: You can swap for melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter for a slightly richer flavor.
• Blueberries: Frozen blueberries can be used but do not thaw them to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
• Lemon juice in glaze: Fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with cooking spray to ensure the bread won’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped.

💡 Pro Tip: Line the pan with parchment paper with some hanging over the edges for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, sour cream, olive oil, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend sets the moist, flavorful foundation of your bread.

💡 Pro Tip: Using room temperature eggs helps the batter come together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mix and stir gently just until no flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold ingredients carefully for the best crumb.

Step 4: Fold in Blueberries

Reserve half a cup of blueberries for topping later. Toss the remaining 1 cup of blueberries in a little bit of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

💡 Pro Tip: Handle the blueberries gently to avoid staining your batter.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Add Topping Berries

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved blueberries on top and lightly press them down into the batter for beautiful baked-in bursts of berry goodness.

💡 Pro Tip: This topping creates an inviting, rustic look once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the bread for 60 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.

💡 Pro Tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent the bread loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

💡 Pro Tip: Glazing a warm loaf causes the icing to slide off.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle Lemon Glaze

Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle this tangy, sweet glaze over the top of your cooled bread and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust glaze thickness by adding more lemon juice for thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating.

Step 9: Let the Glaze Set Before Serving

Allow the bread to rest for 10 minutes so the glaze can firm up, creating that irresistible shiny finish and perfect first bite.

💡 Pro Tip: Slice with a serrated knife for clean, pretty pieces every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the batter: Results in a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender crumb.
• Using frozen blueberries without tossing in flour: Can lead to purple-stained batter and sunken berries.
• Glazing bread when it’s warm: Causes glaze to melt off rather than set nicely.
• Not prepping the pan properly: Increases risk of loaf sticking and breaking apart.
• Skipping lemon zest: This zesty powerhouse is key to delivering bold lemon flavor.
• Baking at incorrect oven temperature: Can cause the bread to bake unevenly or burn on the edges.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe, why not mix it up a bit?

Orange Blueberry Bread

Swap lemon zest and juice for fresh orange zest and juice for a sweeter, less tart citrus twist that’s just as refreshing.

Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Bread

Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for extra texture and a delightful nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with lemon and blueberry.

Cream Cheese Swirl Lemon Blueberry Bread

Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and swirl it through the batter before baking for a creamy surprise in every bite.

Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Bread

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or moisture.

Blueberry Almond Lemon Bread

Top the bread with sliced almonds before baking for a crunchy crust and add a handful of chopped almonds inside for added texture.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of lemon zest, additional blueberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar add a pretty, fresh touch that enhances the experience.

Side Dishes

Pair with a cup of herbal tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful afternoon treat or light dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on a wooden board adorned with fresh berries and edible flowers for a charming brunch display. Or wrap slices individually in parchment for flavorful grab-and-go snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your bread tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled bread or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave (about 15-20 seconds) to revive the fresh-baked softness and enhance the glaze’s sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to toss frozen blueberries in flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking and bleeding into the batter.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain full-fat Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that provides the same moistness and tang.

How long will this bread keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins?

Absolutely! Bake in mini loaf pans or muffin tins but reduce baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking often for doneness.

Is the lemon glaze necessary?

While optional, the lemon glaze adds a deliciously sweet and tangy finish that complements the blueberries beautifully and elevates the bread’s presentation.

How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?

Toss your blueberries in a small amount of flour before folding into the batter to help suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.

Can this bread be made vegan?

You can try substituting flax eggs for regular eggs and using dairy-free yogurt and oil, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to slice this bread?

Use a serrated knife and make gentle sawing motions to keep the slices intact and prevent crumbling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that lights up your kitchen and your taste buds, making everyday moments feel cozy and celebratory. I hope this recipe brings you all the joy it has brought me and my family. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with your morning coffee, it’s a little slice of sunshine you can bake anytime.

Have you tried this Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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