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: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Homemade Goodness

I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread! It’s the perfect recipe for lazy afternoons or cozy get-togethers. The bright and tangy lemon pairs beautifully with sweet, plump blueberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The texture is incredibly moist, making each slice a treat. I often enjoy a piece with my afternoon tea, but it also makes a fantastic breakfast option. Trust me, once you try this bread, it’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-06T18:29:36.421Z

When I first baked this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, I was surprised by how well the flavors blended. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries makes it such a refreshing treat. I found that using fresh blueberries offers a juicy bite, while the lemon zest adds an aromatic quality that fills the kitchen with a delightful scent.

One key aspect I discovered is the importance of not overmixing the batter. This ensures that the bread stays tender and moist. I like to gently fold in the blueberries at the end to maintain their shape, resulting in a beautiful, speckled loaf that tastes as good as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor
Perfectly moist texture that makes every slice irresistible
Great for serving with tea or as a delightful snack any time of day

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread serves a specific purpose, ensuring the final product is perfectly balanced. The flour provides structure, while the baking powder acts as a leavening agent, creating a light, airy texture. The addition of butter not only adds richness but also contributes to the moisture content, which is crucial in keeping the bread from drying out during baking.

Sugar does more than just sweeten. It caramelizes during baking, adding depth to the flavor and color of the crust. On the other hand, eggs provide both structure and moisture, binding everything together. The milk helps to hydrate the dry ingredients, creating a smooth batter, while the fresh blueberries punctuate the bread with pockets of sweetness and a burst of color. It's these thoughtful roles that elevate the flavor profile of this delightful bread.

Baking Tips and Techniques

When combining your wet and dry ingredients, aim for a batter that is just mixed. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser, less tender loaf. The goal is to incorporate the ingredients until the dry flour is no longer visible. You'll want the batter to be slightly lumpy with blueberries still intact—this is a sign that your bread will have a wonderful texture.

For the best rise, make sure your baking powder is fresh. To test its viability, add a teaspoon to a small bowl of hot water; if it fizzes, it’s still good to use. Monitoring the baking time is crucial as well—for a perfectly cooked bread, look for a golden-brown top and use the toothpick test to ensure it's baked through. A clean toothpick inserted into the center means your bread is ready!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or planned gatherings. After baking, allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It keeps at room temperature for up to three days or can be frozen for up to three months. If you choose to freeze it, slice the bread before wrapping for quick access to individual servings later on.

For an added touch of indulgence, consider serving the bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. A light lemon glaze—made with powdered sugar and lemon juice—would also complement the flavors beautifully. You can even customize each slice by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option that is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ensure everything is measured out and ready for easy mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:

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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.

Bake the Bread

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Once cooled, you can also glaze it with a lemon icing for an extra zing!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. Using frozen blueberries is an option, but ensure they are not thawed to prevent the batter from turning blue.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and a nutritional boost. You could also swap the blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries for a different fruit twist. Adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile, giving the bread a warm, cozy vibe perfect for fall gatherings.

For a touch of decadence, mix in some white chocolate chips or nuts of your choice for added texture and richness. If you're looking for a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter. This will still give you a moist bread but with less fat—just ensure that you adjust your sugar depending on the sweetness of your chosen yogurt.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread comes out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To measure flour accurately, scoop it with a spoon into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of packing it down. This technique ensures you use the exact amount needed, preventing excess flour from weighing down your bread.

Another common issue is the bread sticking to the pan. Make sure to grease your loaf pan thoroughly, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. If the bread cracks on top, this is usually a sign that it was baked at too high of a temperature; always stick to the recommended 350°F for even baking. Adjust your oven temperature accordingly in future attempts to ensure the perfect rise.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent the bread from turning blue.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds make great additions to the batter for added texture.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.