This Lemon Blueberry Bread is a fragrant and moist treat made with fresh blueberries and a zesty lemon glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. The combination of lemon zest and blueberries adds a bright, fruity flavor, while the cream cheese in the batter ensures a rich, tender texture.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• Zest of one large lemon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Make the Bread:

   • In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and lemon zest with your fingertips until fragrant.

   • In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the lemon sugar, butter, and cream cheese until fluffy (about 3 minutes).

   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

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

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

   • Gently fold in the blueberries.

3. Bake the Bread:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

   • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Lemon Glaze:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.

   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Nutritional Value (per slice):

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 56g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 83mg

• Sodium: 343mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 34g

This delightful bread stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor!

The Perfect Balance of Lemon and Blueberries

The lemon and blueberry pairing is a classic flavor combination that has stood the test of time. The tartness of fresh blueberries is perfectly complemented by the zesty, citrusy brightness of lemon. This flavor duo shines through in every bite of this moist bread, making each slice an irresistible treat. The fresh blueberries burst with juice, adding pops of sweetness throughout the tender loaf. Meanwhile, the lemon zest infuses the bread with a fragrant citrus aroma that fills your kitchen and tantalizes your taste buds.

While lemon and blueberry are often paired in muffins, cakes, and pies, this bread recipe takes it a step further with a luscious lemon glaze. The glaze not only adds a glossy, sweet finish but also intensifies the lemon flavor, creating a perfect balance between the tartness of the fruit and the sweetness of the glaze. The combination of a rich, buttery bread base and the bright citrusy notes makes for a deliciously indulgent yet light treat.

The Role of Cream Cheese in the Batter

One of the secret ingredients that set this Lemon Blueberry Bread apart is the addition of cream cheese to the batter. Cream cheese is often used in baking to create a moist, tender crumb, and this recipe is no exception. By incorporating cream cheese into the batter, the bread gains a velvety texture that is both rich and soft. The fat in the cream cheese also adds a slight tanginess, which complements the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the lemon and blueberries.

Using cream cheese in the batter helps to keep the bread from becoming too dry, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful. The cream cheese also adds a subtle richness that elevates the overall flavor of the bread, making it more indulgent without being overwhelming.

A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe

This Lemon Blueberry Bread is surprisingly simple to make, yet the result is an elegant and flavorful treat. The recipe starts with creaming together sugar, lemon zest, butter, and cream cheese until fluffy. This step helps to create a light, airy texture in the bread, which contrasts beautifully with the denser blueberries once they’re folded in.

The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—are whisked together separately to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Gradually adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture ensures that the bread comes together smoothly without overmixing, which could lead to a dense, heavy loaf.

Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, the buttermilk is added to the batter. The buttermilk not only contributes to the moist texture of the bread but also helps to activate the baking soda, creating a slightly tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread. The blueberries are folded in gently, ensuring that they are evenly distributed without breaking up or releasing too much juice into the batter.

Baking and Cooling the Bread

After pouring the batter into a prepared loaf pan, the bread is baked at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. This temperature ensures that the bread cooks through evenly, becoming golden brown on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside. To check for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Once the bread is done baking, it’s important to let it cool in the pan for about 20-30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the bread to set, making it easier to slice without falling apart. If you try to slice the bread too soon, it might be too soft and crumbly, so patience is key for achieving the perfect slice.

The Lemon Glaze: A Sweet, Citrusy Finish

The finishing touch to this bread is the lemon glaze. Made with melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, this glaze adds a sweet and tangy layer to the top of the bread. The glaze not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds a beautiful shine, making the bread look as good as it tastes.

Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will soak into the bread slightly, adding moisture and sweetness to each bite. The combination of the rich, buttery bread and the sweet, citrusy glaze makes this bread a treat you’ll want to savor with every bite.

Serving and Storing the Bread

Lemon Blueberry Bread is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. The bread can be sliced and enjoyed on its own, or it can be paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast or snack. If you have leftovers, the bread stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it at its freshest, let the bread come to room temperature before serving. The bread can also be warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds, making it taste just as good as when it was first baked.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature before serving, and drizzle with any leftover glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information

While this Lemon Blueberry Bread is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Each slice contains about 400 calories, with a significant portion of those calories coming from fat and sugar. The bread is rich in carbohydrates, making it a filling treat, but it’s also packed with a fair amount of sugar and fat, including saturated fat from the butter and cream cheese.

That being said, this bread can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The blueberries provide a small amount of fiber and antioxidants, while the cream cheese and buttermilk contribute to the rich texture and tangy flavor. If you’re looking to make the recipe a bit lighter, you can experiment with using lower-fat cream cheese or substituting some of the butter for a healthier fat option, such as coconut oil.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the brightness of lemon with the sweetness of fresh blueberries. The addition of cream cheese ensures a rich, tender texture, making each slice moist and flavorful. Topped with a simple yet decadent lemon glaze, this bread is the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or as part of a brunch spread, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. The combination of flavors and textures creates a balanced, satisfying experience, making it a must-try recipe for lemon and blueberry lovers alike.