Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread

Name: Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup plain yogurt; zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh blueberries; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Desserts

I love starting my mornings with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread. The combination of zesty lemon and fresh blueberries creates a delightful flavor that brightens my day. As I bake this bread, the citrus aroma fills my kitchen, making it an inviting place to be. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, and it keeps well for a few days, allowing me to enjoy it longer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your morning routine!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:01:36.366Z

During one of my weekend baking sessions, I decided to combine two of my favorite flavors: lemon and blueberries. I found that the acidity of the lemon helped brighten the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a perfectly balanced loaf. To make it even better, I added a simple lemon glaze on top that adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

I discovered that using fresh blueberries instead of frozen yields a better texture in the bread. The fresh berries stay intact without releasing too much moisture, which helps keep the bread light and fluffy. This little trick makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright, zesty flavor that wakes up your taste buds
Incredibly moist texture with bursts of juicy blueberries
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon treat

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a successful Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread rests in the balance of its ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the structure necessary for the bread, while granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps in achieving a golden crust. Yogurt adds moisture, lending a tender crumb to the loaf. If you don't have plain yogurt on hand, sour cream can be used as a straightforward substitute, offering a similar consistency and tangy flavor.

Fresh blueberries are a star ingredient in this recipe. I recommend using ripe, plump berries that burst with flavor. Frozen blueberries can work in a pinch; just be sure to toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. This ensures an even distribution throughout the bread, allowing you to enjoy their sweet juiciness in every bite.

Perfecting the Technique

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be cautious not to overmix. Gently folding the ingredients together ensures that the bread will rise beautifully, creating a light and airy texture. You’ll want to mix until you see no dry flour but still have visible streaks of yogurt or oil—this is the key to a moisture-rich loaf without developing too much gluten.

Timing is crucial when it comes to baking. Start checking your loaf at the 50-minute mark; the top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean from the center. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking. For a clean release, allow the bread to cool in the pan for just 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Ingredients

Bread Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, yogurt, and lemon zest until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.

Pro Tips

For an added citrus kick, you can incorporate additional lemon zest into the glaze. Using fresh blueberries is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

Storing and Serving

To keep your Lemon Blueberry Morning Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw the slice at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

This bread is versatile and can be served in various ways. It makes a delightful breakfast paired with a smear of butter or a dollop of cream cheese. For a brunch gathering, consider slicing it and serving it on a platter with fresh fruit and yogurt for a refreshing contrast. You can even customize the glaze with different citrus juices, like orange or lime, to switch things up!

Adjustments and Variations

If you're looking to reduce sugar in this recipe, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, though you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly since these sweeteners are liquids. This will maintain the lovely moist texture while offering a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute to lower the calories without sacrificing sweetness.

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure provided by gluten. Additionally, if you want to add more nutrients, consider mixing in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for an added health boost!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but fresh blueberries will provide a better texture. If using frozen, do not thaw them before mixing.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute yogurt?

Yes, you can use sour cream or buttermilk as a substitute for yogurt.

→ How can I make this bread healthier?

Consider reducing the sugar by half and substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour.