Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines sweet berries, fragrant vanilla, and a zesty twist, the Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. This loaf is bursting with juicy blueberries nestled in a moist, tender vanilla-infused bread and finished off with a bright, tangy lemon glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that adds richness to the fresh blueberries that bring vibrant color and juicy bursts, plus the lemon glaze that brightens every bite with a citrus pop. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this bread so special.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb essential for the bread’s perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise softly and evenly for a light finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic sour cream to give the bread a nice lift and softness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making every slice melt in your mouth.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right while aiding in that tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s moist texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with a warm, fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with blueberries.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang, keeping the bread moist without being heavy.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Helps thin the batter slightly, ensuring a smooth mix and tender crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries: Bursting with freshness, these berries add juicy pops and vibrant color throughout.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries): Coats the blueberries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet lemon glaze that crowns the loaf.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Gives the glaze its fresh, tangy brightness.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): For an extra punch of lemon flavor that wakes up your palate.

How to Make Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure the bread will come out easily once baked. This prep step sets the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent rising and seasoning throughout the bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Blueberries

Gently toss your fresh blueberries with a tablespoon of flour. This little trick keeps the berries suspended in the batter, preventing them from sinking to the bottom and giving you a beautifully speckled loaf instead of a berry puddle at the base.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for the bread’s moist and tender texture—it incorporates air that helps your bread rise just right.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and structure, while the vanilla introduces that wonderful warm flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Finish by mixing in the milk. Be gentle and mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.

Step 7: Fold in Blueberries

Carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a spatula. This gentle touch prevents the berries from bursting and turning the batter purple while keeping them intact for delightful pops of flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the end—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil to keep it from burning.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully ensures the glaze will set perfectly without sliding off.

Step 10: Make and Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth to create the glaze. Adjust the lemon juice for your desired consistency—thin enough to drizzle, thick enough to stay in place. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Top your slices with a few fresh blueberries and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest to add a pretty, fresh garnish that hints at the tastes inside the bread. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a sweet snowy effect that’s very inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. Serve alongside creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, arrange the slices on a wooden board with small bowls of honey, fresh fruit, and soft butter, turning your Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe into a mini buffet of flavors. You can also slice the loaf thick and toast it lightly, then spread with a bit of cream cheese for a delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the loaf moist and soft without drying out, making it perfect for enjoying over several days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the fully cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a ready-to-eat treat anytime.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and revive the enticing aroma of vanilla and lemon. This reheat method makes it feel just like fresh from the oven again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to add the blueberries frozen without thawing and toss them with flour as you would with fresh berries to help them stay evenly distributed in the batter.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, Greek yogurt works wonderfully and adds a nice tang and moisture that complements the bread perfectly, making it a great swap.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. This is the best indicator that your Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe is perfectly done.

Can I make this bread vegan?

While this recipe is not originally vegan, you could try replacing the butter with a plant-based spread, use flax or chia eggs as substitutes, and swap milk for a plant milk for a vegan-friendly version—though the texture might vary slightly.

Why do I need to toss the blueberries in flour before adding them?

This simple step prevents the blueberries from sinking during baking and distributes them more evenly throughout the bread, ensuring every bite has a burst of berry goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing a homemade Blueberry Vanilla Bread with Lemon Glaze Recipe. It’s a simple recipe that brings incredible rewards—moist, tender bread loaded with juicy blueberries and finished with a bright lemon glaze that lifts every slice. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with every delicious bite!

Print