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 sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I love baking, and this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy! The moment I took my first bite, I was met with bursts of juicy blueberries and a refreshing hint of lemon. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with tea. The moist consistency paired with the zesty flavor creates an irresistible treat that's hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and a great way to use fresh blueberries, making it a favorite in our household.

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:11:34.865Z

My journey with this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread began on a sunny afternoon when I wanted to bake something light and flavorful. I pulled out fresh blueberries and lemons from my pantry, and the aroma as they combined was heavenly! The trick I discovered is to fold in the blueberries gently to prevent them from bursting, ensuring each slice has delicious pockets of blueberries.

After experimenting with various recipes, I settled on this version that balances sweetness and zest perfectly. I also found that letting the bread cool completely enhances the flavors, so patient bakers will be rewarded with an even better taste. I can't wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright citrus flavor balances the sweetness of blueberries
Perfectly moist and tender crumb
A comforting treat that's versatile for any time of day

The Role of Blueberries and Lemon

Blueberries are the stars of this tea bread, providing natural sweetness and a juicy burst in every bite. When fresh blueberries are used, they also offer a vibrant color contrast. If fresh blueberries are unavailable, feel free to substitute with frozen, but keep in mind they may require a slightly longer baking time due to added moisture. Ensure to fold them in gently to maintain their shape and prevent the batter from turning purple.

Lemon zest and juice are fundamental to achieving the bright, refreshing flavor that characterizes this bread. The zest contains essential oils that amplify the citrusy aroma, while the juice contributes acidity, enhancing the overall flavor balance. If you want to elevate the lemony punch, you can increase the amount of zest and juice slightly, but be cautious—too much can alter the delicate moisture balance.

Baking Tips for Success

For a perfectly baked Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the butter and eggs. This promotes better emulsification, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. If you're short on time, here’s a quick tip: place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for about five minutes and microwave the butter for just 10-15 seconds on low power to soften it.

Keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary widely, so set a timer for 50 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, your bread is ready. If it’s still wet, return it to the oven and check every 5 minutes until it’s just right, ensuring the crust doesn’t over-brown during the process.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:

Ingredients

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

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Blueberry Lemon 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 bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set this mixture aside.

Cream butter and sugar

In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs and other wet ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.

Fold in blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them.

Pour into pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your delicious Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try topping your bread with a light lemon glaze or serve it with a pat of butter.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread keeps beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice it and freeze the pieces. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice anytime you crave a quick treat.

To enjoy the flavors at their best, try to eat it within the first few days after baking. The moisture from the blueberries helps maintain freshness, but over time, the bread may start to lose its ideal texture. If reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast it lightly to enjoy a warm, comforting slice.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This tea bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Pairing it with a cup of herbal or green tea creates a refreshing afternoon break. Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch and flavor variation—just reduce the blueberries slightly to accommodate the extra ingredients.

For a fun twist, you might incorporate other berries such as raspberries or chopped strawberries along with the blueberries, giving your tea bread a mixed berry flair. Adjust the sugar a bit if you decide to add berries that aren't as sweet, ensuring the balance of flavors remains harmonious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just ensure they are not thawed to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

→ How can I store leftover tea bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezes?

Absolutely! You can slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in airtight bags for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute the flour for gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute. Just check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.