Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the bright flavors of spring and summer, then you need to try this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread! This moist and delicious loaf balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of fresh blueberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, packing it in your kids’ lunchboxes, or bringing it to a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this bread special is not just its incredible taste, but also the joy that comes from baking it. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel right at home. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor without spending all day in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this bread quickly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet burst of blueberries combined with zesty lemon.
• Make Ahead: This bread stores well, making it great for meal prep or as a quick snack throughout the week.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together to create this delicious Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread. These are staples you might already have in your pantry!

For the Bread

• 1 cup butter, salted
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 cups blueberries – tossed in 2 teaspoons flour

For the Lemon Syrup & Glaze

• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Variations

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to customize it!

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Try Different Berries: Swap out blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
• Zest It Up: Add extra lemon zest or even a hint of lavender for a floral touch.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 10-inch loaf pans by buttering and flouring them well. This step ensures your bread comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Creaming Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and lemon zest until light and fluffy—about 4-5 minutes. Then add in your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bread that lovely rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and baking powder before gradually adding this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated; overmixing can lead to dense bread! Gently fold in the blueberries by hand so they don’t break apart.

Step 4: Bake Your Loaves

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now!

Step 5: Make the Lemony Syrup

While those loaves are baking away, let’s make a lovely lemon syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice and sugar and simmer until slightly reduced—about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool; this syrup will add extra moisture and flavor to your loaves.

Step 6: Cool Down and Add Syrup

Once baked, let your loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. After another cooling period of about 10 minutes, poke holes all over each loaf with a long skewer—this allows that luscious syrup to soak in beautifully!

Step 7: Brush on That Syrup!

Generously brush the cooled syrup over both loaves while they are still warm. Then allow them to cool completely—at least an hour—so they can soak up all that goodness.

Step 8: Whisk Glaze Together

Finally, whisk together sifted powdered sugar with remaining lemon juice until smooth to create a glaze. Pour this heavenly glaze over your cooled loaves before slicing into them.

Now you’re ready to enjoy every slice of this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread! It’s sure to be loved by friends and family alike—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Making Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your baking game to new heights!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, resulting in a light and fluffy bread.
• Don’t skip the flour toss for blueberries: Coating the blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the bread.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Ovens vary in temperature, so using a toothpick to check if your bread is fully cooked will ensure it’s perfectly baked without being overdone.
• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing the loaves to cool completely before adding the glaze helps it set beautifully, creating a lovely finish that won’t run off.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits: While Meyer lemon gives this recipe its unique flavor, you can also try using regular lemons or oranges for a fun twist!

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

This bright and flavorful bread is perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and an aromatic touch that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
• Lemon zest: Grating some additional lemon zest on top of the glaze not only enhances the visual appeal but also intensifies that refreshing citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side provides a deliciously tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
• Mixed berry salad: A light salad made with fresh berries adds brightness and freshness, perfectly balancing out the richness of the loaf.
• Honey butter: Whipping up some honey butter to spread on each slice gives an extra layer of flavor that enhances every bite!
• Herbal tea: Pairing your loaf with a soothing cup of herbal tea creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and savor every delicious slice of Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is a fantastic option for meal prep! It keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer it chilled, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Always ensure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• If reheating the whole loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making this delightful bread!

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons for this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Yes, you can use regular lemons. However, Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular ones, giving your bread a unique flavor.

How do I know when my Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaves. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your bread is ready!

Can I make this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to adjust baking times as needed.

What should I do if my blueberries sink to the bottom of the loaf?

Tossing blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter can help prevent sinking. Alternatively, try folding them into the batter gently.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread as much as I do! With its bright flavors and moist texture, it’s truly a special treat. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, I’m sure it will bring joy to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking—happy cooking!