Lemon Blueberry Loaf
If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Lemon Blueberry Loaf. Bright citrus zest, juicy blueberries, and a sweet-tart glaze come together in a perfectly tender, moist quick bread you’ll want to bake on repeat.
Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up with tea, this loaf brings a burst of freshness and comfort that never fails to impress. And it’s surprisingly simple to make with pantry basics and just one bowl for mixing.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I always come back to. It’s fuss-free, versatile, and guaranteed to make the house smell amazing. The lemon cuts the sweetness, the blueberries add little pockets of juicy flavor, and the walnuts bring just the right crunch.
And then there’s the glaze—just two ingredients, but it elevates this loaf from “nice” to absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1 cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Frozen blueberries work great—just toss them in flour before folding in to prevent bleeding.
- No walnuts? Sub in pecans, or skip the nuts entirely for a smoother crumb.
- Want extra lemon flavor? Add a ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- Gluten-free option? Use a 1:1 GF flour blend for great results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment for easy removal).
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
Gently fold in the blueberries, chopped walnuts, and lemon zest.
3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the loaf and transfer to a wire rack.
4. Glaze It
While the loaf is cooling, whisk together ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle over the warm bread and let set.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your batter—this keeps the loaf tender.
- Let it cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor punch—don’t skip it!
Serving Suggestions
This loaf is perfect on its own, but even better with:
- A mug of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
- A side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for brunch
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Hosting a brunch? Pair it with these ChefManiac favorites:
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late Night Cravings
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot)
Storage & Leftovers
- Room temp: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 1 week. Let come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a tried-and-true recipe that’s bright, buttery, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether you serve it at brunch, slice it for an afternoon snack, or gift it to a friend, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
If you try this loaf, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment, tag @chefmaniac on your baking pics, and follow along for more sweet, simple bakes that taste like home.
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