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 granulated sugar; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations

I absolutely love making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread! The combination of sweet blueberries and bright lemon zest creates a delightful balance that is simply irresistible. Whether it's for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this quick bread is always a hit in my home. It's incredibly easy to whip up, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it's baking is heavenly. Plus, it stays moist for days, making it perfect for meal prep. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do!

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:10:36.246Z

From the moment I first decided to bake this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, I knew it had to be special. I experimented with different ratios of blueberries to lemon zest, finally landing on just the right balance that complements both flavors beautifully. The addition of buttermilk gives it a moist crumb that you won't find in many quick breads.

One of the best tips I can share is to gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to overmix. This preserves their shape and prevents the batter from turning a deep blue, ensuring that lovely, fresh blueberry look in every slice. It's these little details that make all the difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The sweet and tangy combination of blueberries and lemon is a match made in heaven.
Soft, moist texture that makes each slice melt in your mouth.
Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, any time of day.

The Role of Buttermilk

Buttermilk plays a crucial role in achieving the soft, moist texture of this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda and powder, creating a lighter crumb while also adding flavor. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, a quick substitute is to mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes before using it in the recipe.

When using buttermilk, be sure to measure it accurately. Too much liquid can lead to a dense bread, while too little can result in a dry texture. The perfect balance ensures that the bread rises beautifully and retains moisture, providing that ideal melt-in-your-mouth experience with each slice.

Importance of Folding Blueberries

When adding the blueberries to the batter, take care to fold them in gently. This technique prevents them from breaking apart and staining the batter, which could lead to an unappealing color and uneven distribution. If you prefer more pronounced blueberry flavor throughout your bread, consider tossing the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them in. This helps them stay suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom.

Keep in mind that the blueberries' natural juices will seep into the batter during baking. If overmixed, this could cause the bread to turn mushy. Just a few folds should be sufficient to incorporate them evenly without compromising their integrity.

Storing and Serving Tips

After baking, allow your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread to cool completely on a wire rack. This is essential for preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Store the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them in plastic, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

To serve, simply slice and enjoy the bread as-is, or warm it slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. I love spreading a bit of butter on top or pairing it with a dollop of cream cheese for an extra special touch. This tea bread is a versatile treat that can brighten up any snack or breakfast table!

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your blueberries are rinsed and dried well.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Bring It Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

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!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

For an extra lemony kick, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the bread once it has cooled.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread! You can substitute the blueberries with other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries, keeping the measurement the same to ensure a balanced flavor profile. Each variation will give a unique taste while still allowing the lemon zest to shine through.

For a nutty twist, try adding a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They can be folded in along with the blueberries. Just ensure you chop them roughly to avoid overpowering the soft texture of the bread. If you prefer a sweeter version, consider incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract for an added layer of flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bread comes out dense, it often means the batter was overmixed or too much flour was incorporated when measuring. To measure accurately, spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down, then level it off with a knife. Also, make sure your leavening agents are fresh for optimal rise.

On the other hand, if the bread rises too quickly but collapses in the center, it's a sign of too much leavening or an excessively hot oven. Ensure your oven temperature is calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer can be helpful to check your oven's accuracy, as slight differences in temperature can significantly affect the baking process.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger gathering and need to scale up the recipe, doubling it is simple! Just prepare two loaf pans and use two batches of the same ingredients. Remember that baking time may vary, so start checking for doneness at 50 minutes but be prepared to add a few extra minutes if necessary.

Similarly, if you want to make a smaller batch, consider using a mini loaf pan. This recipe can easily be halved to yield a smaller loaf without compromising the same delightful flavor. The mini version is great for trying out variations without committing to a full-sized loaf.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent bleeding.

→ Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or other berries can add a nice variation to the flavor and texture.