Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread

Name: Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and nothing brings me more joy than a warm loaf of Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread. The zesty lemon flavor combined with juicy blueberries makes for an amazing treat that's perfect with a cup of tea. This recipe has been my go-to for gatherings or simply for an afternoon snack at home. I’ve perfected this bread over time, ensuring it stays moist and fluffy while bursting with flavor. If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your day, this is it!

Created by

Juniper Hale

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:21:35.536Z

When I first experimented with this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, I wanted to create something that captured the essence of spring. The moment I pulled the loaf from the oven, the warm aroma filled the kitchen, making it impossible to resist a slice. I added fresh lemon zest to enhance the flavor, which truly makes all the difference, ensuring each bite is both refreshing and satisfying.

One of my favorite tips is to coat the blueberries in a bit of flour before mixing them into the batter. This simple trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the bread. Trust me, your guests will be delighted to find delicious bursts of blueberries in every slice!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon zest
Moist and fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee
An easy, beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can master

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The balance of flavors in Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread hinges on the quality of its ingredients. Fresh blueberries are essential; they provide the juicy bursts that complement the zesty lemon. When selecting blueberries, look for plump, dark blue berries without blemishes. If fresh berries are unavailable, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

The butter in this recipe not only adds richness but also contributes to the moistness of the bread. Softened butter helps create a light and fluffy texture when creamed with sugar. For a lighter version, you could substitute with unsweetened applesauce, though this will slightly alter the flavor and texture. Just be mindful that the baking time may vary.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bread

One of the key steps to ensuring a perfect loaf is to avoid over-mixing the batter. Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, stir gently until just incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture, detracting from the light fluffiness we all love. Aim for a few lumps to remain in the batter—it’s okay if it's not perfectly smooth.

Make sure to check the bread during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, and yours may bake faster or slower than the indicated time of 50 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for a perfectly baked loaf. If it comes out wet, allow the bread to bake for an extra 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your bread:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Liquids

Beat in the egg, then add the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Add Blueberries

Toss the blueberries with a little flour, then fold them into the batter carefully.

Bake the Bread

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

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your delicious Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze on top after the bread cools. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency and drizzle it over the loaf.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee. Its bright lemon flavor makes it an excellent choice for a summer brunch spread. You can serve it as is, or for an added touch, consider a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice drizzled on top.

For a heartier breakfast option, slice the bread and toast it lightly. A pat of cream cheese or a smear of lemon curd works wonders, enhancing the lemony notes and adding creaminess. Leftovers can be enjoyed chilled or warmed, making it versatile for various meal times.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This bread stores well at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months; when ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

If you plan to make the batter ahead of time, I recommend preparing it but not baking it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember that it might need a few extra minutes in the oven since it's starting cold.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to coat them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.

→ How should I store the tea bread?

Store the cooled tea bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a delightful crunch to your bread.

→ What can I serve with this tea bread?

It pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of whipped cream for a sweet treat!