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: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Favorites

I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, especially during the summer months when fresh blueberries are in abundance. The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it a delightful treat for afternoon tea or brunch. This cake-like bread comes together quickly and always fills the kitchen with a bright, citrusy aroma that brings a smile to my face. Once you try it, I’m sure this recipe will become a go-to in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:05:36.200Z

When I first tried making this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, I wasn’t sure how well the flavors would meld together. However, the burst of blueberries combined with the zest of lemon created a wonderfully refreshing slice that exceeded my expectations. After a few tweaks, I discovered that using both fresh lemon juice and zest intensified the citrus flavor remarkably. I also preferred light mixing – just enough to combine the wet and dry ingredients without overworking the batter.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is; you can easily swap in other fruits like raspberries or blackberries depending on what you have. Moreover, adding a simple lemon glaze on top transforms it into a delightful dessert. Trust me, this tea bread is destined to become a beloved favorite in your home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and bright lemon notes
Perfectly moist and tender crumb, making it irresistible
Easily adaptable with other berries or toppings

Understanding Your Ingredients

The key to achieving a moist and flavorful Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh blueberries not only provide bursts of sweetness but also contribute to the overall moistness of the bread. If you can't find fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones; just be sure to fold them in gently to prevent the batter from turning blue. Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial as they bring the bright citrus flavors into the dish, enhancing the taste profile and adding complexity.

In terms of the flour, all-purpose flour is the ideal choice for this recipe because it offers a balanced structure without being too dense. If you're looking for a gluten-free version, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture and moisture may vary, and you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the correct batter consistency.

Techniques for Perfect Baking

Mixing techniques play a crucial role in ensuring this bread has the perfect crumb. When you combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones, do so gently and just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which is not what you want in a tender bread like this. A few lumps in the batter are totally fine and might even enhance the final texture.

Also, be cautious about the baking time. Every oven runs a little differently, so start checking your bread around the 45-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden top and edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If your bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to wash the blueberries gently to avoid bruising them!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your delicious tea bread:

Preheat the Oven

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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the butter, eggs, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing lightly until just combined. Fold in the blueberries carefully.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick 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!

This bread is best enjoyed warm, but it also keeps well for a few days.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once baked, let the Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread cool completely at room temperature before storing. This will help maintain its moisture. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; wrapping each loaf slice individually allows you to enjoy a piece at a time without defrosting the entire loaf.

For make-ahead plans, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking, which can enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Just give it a gentle stir to recombine before pouring it into the pan. However, baking it fresh will yield the best texture and aroma.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This tea bread can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it a versatile addition to your breakfast or afternoon tea spread. I love pairing it with a light cream cheese spread or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tangy lemon flavor. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch for special occasions.

For a fun twist, consider incorporating other berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even nuts for added crunch. You could replace half of the blueberries with poppy seeds for a delightful lemon-poppy seed variation. Experimenting with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can also give it a unique flavor profile that you might enjoy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well too! Just fold them in while still frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

→ How can I store leftover bread?

You can store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that has a binding agent.

→ Is it possible to mix in nuts?

Yes, walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the bread. Just make sure to chop them roughly before adding!