Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread

Name: Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I absolutely love the combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries, and this rustic bread recipe captures that essence perfectly. Baking it fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma that never fails to elevate my mood. With a chewy crust and a soft, moist interior speckled with blueberries, it’s a treat on its own or toasted with a pat of butter. This bread is a perfect way to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. It's become a staple in my household, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:45:36.774Z

One afternoon, I decided to experiment with an old rustic bread recipe I had, adding fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. The result was phenomenal, with each bite bursting with flavor. To prevent the blueberries from sinking, I tossed them in a bit of flour before mixing them into the dough, which worked like a charm!

This recipe is perfect for lazy weekends. I’ve found it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and even great for toasting the next day. It’s a delicious way to enjoy seasonal berries and adds a touch of brightness to any meal.

Why You Will Love This Bread
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and zesty lemon notes
Rustic texture that creates a wonderful crust and soft crumb
Versatile as a breakfast item or an afternoon treat

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread plays a vital role in achieving its delightful flavor and texture. The combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder provides the structure and lift necessary for the bread to rise while maintaining a wonderfully chewy texture. The flour also serves as a canvas for the flavors of the blueberries and lemon zest to shine through, creating a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness.

Fresh blueberries are essential in this recipe, not just for their sweet flavor, but for the moisture they provide during baking. When folded in gently, they burst creates pockets of juice that enhance the bread's interior. If fresh blueberries are out of season, you can use frozen blueberries; just ensure to add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much color into the batter.

Baking Techniques for Success

Properly mixing your ingredients is key to a successful rustic bread. When incorporating the wet and dry components, remember to mix just until combined; over-mixing can lead to a denser texture. Folding in the blueberries gently is equally important. This technique ensures that the berries are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking down, which could turn your rustic bread a shade of blue instead of maintaining that beautiful marbled appearance.

Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark; the bread should have a golden top, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly but the center is still raw, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you begin to make the process smoother.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to wash and dry the blueberries thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the mixing process.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the lemon zest to the mixture.

Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries coated in flour.

Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider serving the bread with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Lemon Blueberry Rustic Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you want to extend its shelf life further, consider refrigerating it, which can keep it fresh for about a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter its texture, making it firmer.

If you're planning to make this bread ahead of time, it can be prepped and stored unbaked in the loaf pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic bread is versatile; it shines both toasted and fresh. For an indulgent breakfast, consider topping slices with a spread of creamy mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. The combination of flavors enhances the bread's natural sweetness and gives a lovely creaminess that complements the zesty lemon and bursts of blueberry.

Another delightful way to enjoy this bread is as a dessert, perhaps paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light drizzle of lemon glaze. To make a quick glaze, simply whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, and drizzle it over the slices just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter.

→ How should I store the bread?

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

→ Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

→ What can I serve with this bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a fruit spread.