Blueberry Lemon Bread - freshly baked bread

Blueberry Lemon Bread

Banana, Zucchini & Fruit Loaf Breads

Bright, tangy lemon bread bursting with juicy blueberries. A summer favourite using Canadian wild blueberries.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

55 min

Servings

10

Calories

235

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet

    Combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

  3. 3

    Add Dry

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.

  4. 4

    Add Fruit

    Fold in the featured fruit or mix-ins.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Pour into pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then turn out.

Baker's Notes

Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter — it prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something about the way bright lemon cuts through the sweetness of a loaf packed with juicy blueberries that makes this bread a summer staple in Canadian kitchens. I've made this recipe dozens of times—usually when I'm lucky enough to have a bag of those little wild blueberries from the Maritimes—and the result is always tender, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

What sets this bread apart is how simple it is. You don't need a mixer or fancy techniques. Just whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, fold in the dry ingredients, and gently work in the berries. The whole thing comes together in fifteen minutes before baking, which means you can pull it out of the oven while the kids are still doing their homework.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Lemon Bread

Saupoudrez vos bleuets d'une cuillère à soupe de farine avant de les incorporer à la pâte—ce petit geste les maintient en suspension dans le pain au lieu de les laisser couler au fond. Et résistez à l'envie de le trancher chaud; laissez-le refroidir complètement dans le moule pour que la mie se fixe bien, ce qui fait une différence notable sur la texture.

What to Serve With It

This bread shines on its own with a strong cup of coffee or tea, but it also pairs beautifully with a light cream cheese frosting drizzled over the top. For a more substantial breakfast, serve slices alongside smoked salmon or a bowl of fresh berries. It's equally at home at a summer picnic, tucked into a lunchbox, or displayed at a bake sale.

Storage & Reheating

Keep the loaf wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze for up to three months—fruit breads hold up remarkably well in the freezer. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave for thirty seconds or warm them briefly in a 350°F oven.

Nutrition Facts

235

cal

8g

Protein

4g

Fat

28g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

342mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?+

Yes, and honestly they work just as well. Keep them frozen until you fold them in—thawing first will make them mushy and bleed colour throughout the loaf.

Why does my bread sink in the middle?+

Usually it's underbaking or too much liquid. Check that your toothpick comes out clean at 55 minutes, and make sure you're measuring your flour correctly—too much flour can also cause cracking.

Can I add lemon zest to the batter?+

Absolutely. One tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest folded into the wet ingredients amplifies the citrus flavour without making the bread sour.

How do I know when the bread is done?+

Insert a toothpick into the centre—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The loaf should also spring back lightly when pressed and pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Can I make this gluten-free?+

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, though the texture may be slightly denser. Adding an extra egg helps with structure.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding in to prevent sinking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing — cutting too early releases steam and changes texture.
  • Fruit breads freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reviews (5)

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.