Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten up your day, let me introduce you to my favorite Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread! This recipe is a sweet embrace of flavors that perfectly combines the zesty brightness of Meyer lemons with the juicy burst of fresh blueberries. It’s a treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, from lazy weekend breakfasts to family gatherings or even as a lovely gift for a neighbor.

What makes this bread so special is not just its moist texture and vibrant flavor but also how easy it is to whip up. In just over an hour, you can have a beautiful loaf ready to share (or enjoy all by yourself!). Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of butter and milk keeps this bread wonderfully moist, making every slice irresistible.
• Bright and Flavorful: With the fresh taste of Meyer lemons and blueberries, each bite bursts with flavor that embodies spring and summer.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this treat. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This bread stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or baking ahead for busy weeks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or topped with cream cheese—the choice is yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

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 extract
• 2 cups blueberries – tossed in 2 teaspoons flour

For the Lemon Syrup and Glaze

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread:

• Mix in Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Berries: Swap out blueberries for raspberries or blackberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Add Spices: Try incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your loaf pans. Butter and flour two 10-inch loaf pans well—this step is crucial so that our lovely loaves won’t stick when they bake!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and lemon zest until it’s light and fluffy—about 4-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bread that wonderful light texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before adding vanilla and milk. This ensures everything blends smoothly!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread tender! Now fold in those beautiful blueberries by hand—this will keep them whole and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake Your Loaves

Divide the batter between your prepared loaf pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 5: Make the Lemony Syrup

While your loaves bake, let’s create a delicious lemon syrup! In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice and sugar over medium heat. Simmer until slightly reduced and thickened—about 5 minutes should do it. Set aside to cool while we let our loaves rest.

Step 6: Cool and Apply Syrup

Once baked, let your loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. After another 10 minutes of cooling, use a long skewer to poke holes all over the tops of the loaves (be careful not to go all the way through). Brush that luscious syrup generously over both loaves; this adds moisture and flavor that’s simply irresistible!

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

To finish off our delicious creation, whisk together sifted powdered sugar with remaining lemon juice until smooth. Pour this delightful glaze over cooled loaves before slicing them up!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread! Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

Baking this delightful Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is a breeze with these helpful tips to ensure your loaves turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh blueberries: Fresh, ripe blueberries will provide the best flavor and moisture. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blueberries are a good alternative—just make sure to toss them in flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients and blueberries helps maintain a light and airy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so mix just until combined.
• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary greatly, so start checking your bread at the 55-minute mark. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
• Cool properly: Allowing your loaves to cool in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack prevents sogginess. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crust!
• Experiment with glaze flavors: While lemon glaze is delicious, feel free to mix things up! Adding a hint of vanilla extract or even a splash of almond extract can provide an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat or serving it at a gathering, here are some ideas on how to present this lovely dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and freshness that beautifully complements the lemony flavor.
• Thin lemon slices: Placing thin lemon slices on top of the bread enhances its citrusy aroma and gives it an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt alongside your slice adds richness and tang that pairs wonderfully with the zesty bread.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread and balances out the meal beautifully.
• Herbal tea: Enjoying this bread with a warm cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for brunch or afternoon snacking.
• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the bread, making it an excellent pairing for breakfast or dessert.

Enjoy serving this delightful Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread at your next gathering or as part of your special breakfast routine!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week! Whether you’re planning for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread holds up beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating it in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy serving.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label and date the bag; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• To reheat slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread:

Can I use frozen blueberries for Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work well. Just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent clumping.

How do I make Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added indulgence!

Can I reduce the sugar in Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to decrease the sugar by about 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread without compromising texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake this Meyer Lemon Blueberry Bread as I am! Its moistness combined with that delightful burst of lemon and blueberry makes it truly special. Whether it’s your morning treat or an afternoon snack, I’m sure it will bring joy to your table. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or any variations you try!