Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread

Name: Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baked Perfection

I love baking this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread when I want to treat myself to something sweet yet refreshing. The combination of bright lemon zest and juicy blueberries creates a delightful flavor that is perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast. What makes this recipe special is the addition of yogurt, which keeps the bread moist and tender. I’m always amazed at how simple it is to whip up this bread, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it's baking is simply irresistible.

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:49:36.268Z

When I first tried making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, I was skeptical about how the flavors would blend. But to my surprise, the tartness of the lemon perfectly complemented the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious balance that has become my go-to recipe. The key to achieving the right texture is ensuring not to overmix the batter; this keeps it light and fluffy.

I've experimented with different add-ins, but the classic pairing of lemon and blueberry remains my favorite. For a little extra flair, I sometimes drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top once it cools. It's a delightful touch that makes this bread look as good as it tastes!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright lemon flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries
Moist texture thanks to the yogurt
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack

The Role of Yogurt in Baking

In this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread recipe, yogurt plays a crucial role in ensuring the final product is wonderfully moist. The lactic acid in yogurt tenderizes the flour proteins, resulting in a soft crumb. When measuring yogurt, I recommend using a kitchen scale for precision, as the weight can vary significantly between brands and types, affecting the moisture content of your batter.

Furthermore, yogurt enhances the flavor profile by adding subtle tanginess, which complements the sweetness of the blueberries. If you’re looking for alternatives, Greek yogurt or even a plant-based yogurt can work well. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary, so you might need to adjust other liquid ingredients slightly.

Choosing the Right Lemons

The lemon zest in this recipe is what brings a bright, aromatic quality to the bread. When selecting lemons, opt for organic if possible, as they'll have more flavorful zest due to not being coated in wax. Look for lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy. Using a microplane grater will give you fine zest, which distributes evenly throughout the batter, enhancing every bite.

If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but the flavor will be less vibrant. For a twist on the typical lemon flavor, consider using Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and less acidic than your standard lemon, adding a unique depth to your bread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bread comes out dense or gummy, it’s possible you've overmixed the batter. It’s crucial to mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; they lose potency over time, which can impact the rise. Testing these ingredients by mixing a teaspoon with vinegar or water will help ensure they're still effective.

Another common issue is uneven baking. If the top of your bread is browning while the inside remains undercooked, consider placing a piece of foil loosely over the top for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the center to cook through without burning the surface. Using an oven thermometer can also help ensure your oven runs at the right temperature.

Ingredients

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, and then combine to create the batter.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan

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, baking powder, baking soda, 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, yogurt, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, blending until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine. Do not overmix.

Add Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries to the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing for the best texture.

Pro Tips

For extra moisture, you can add a few tablespoons of milk if the batter seems too thick. Be careful not to over-mix the dough, as this can lead to a dense bread.

Making Ahead and Storing

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread actually gets better with time, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. You can bake it up to 3 days in advance. After it cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a slice of bread into the container, as it helps to absorb excess moisture.

If you want to keep the bread even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will hold well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and you can reheat individual slices in the toaster for a delicious morning treat.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the presentation with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice, as suggested in the recipe. This glaze not only adds sweetness and shine but also enhances the lemon flavor, making each bite more decadent.

For a special brunch, serve it alongside a light cream cheese spread infused with herbs or lemon zest. Pairing with a refreshing herbal tea or iced lemon water also complements the citrusy notes and balances the sweetness of the bread, making for an enjoyable experience.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the flavors in this recipe! You can substitute half of the blueberries with raspberries, cranberries, or even diced strawberries for a different twist. Each fruit brings a unique taste profile while maintaining the overall freshness of the bread.

Additionally, for those who enjoy nuts, folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter can add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider using a flax egg and plant-based yogurt for the moistness, allowing everyone to enjoy this treat regardless of dietary restrictions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the bread?

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

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition.