Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread

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

Highlighted under: Sweet Ideas

I absolutely love baking, and this Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is one of my favorite recipes to whip up when I want a delicious treat with a citrusy twist. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a delightful contrast that’s perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy breakfast. I enjoy how easy it is to prepare, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home, too!

Created by

Marigold Pearson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:45:36.099Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was looking for a way to incorporate fresh blueberries into a simple bread. The result was beyond my expectations! The light, moist texture of the bread combined with the burst of blueberries and the brightness of lemon truly creates a memorable treat. I found that letting the ingredients come to room temperature before mixing made a noticeable difference in the overall texture.

One of the tips I discovered is to slightly coat the blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking. It’s always a joy to slice into a loaf and see those gorgeous berries evenly distributed throughout. I can't wait for you to bake this delicious bread!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon
Moist, fluffy texture that's simply irresistible
Great for breakfast, tea-time, or as a delightful dessert

The Role of Ingredients

The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon is what elevates this tea bread from simple to extraordinary. Fresh blueberries add natural sweetness and moisture, while the lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar. If you're short on fresh blueberries, frozen ones can work in a pinch, but they may bleed more into the batter, creating a marbled effect that’s visually appealing yet slightly different in flavor.

Butter is critical to achieving the moist, fluffy texture in this tea bread. Make sure to use unsalted butter, as salt can alter the intended flavor balance. Softening the butter to room temperature is essential for proper creaming with sugar; it typically takes about 30 minutes out of the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in small intervals at low power, but be cautious to avoid melting.

Baking Techniques

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important to combine them just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread because it develops gluten, which you want to avoid for this tender loaf. A gentle folding motion, especially when incorporating the blueberries, helps maintain the batter's airy texture. You want to see pockets of blueberries throughout the loaf while keeping the batter lightly uniform.

Baking at the recommended temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking. If your oven tends to run hot, consider using an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature. Instead of opening the oven door frequently to check for doneness, look for visual cues: the top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for the best texture.

Ingredients

For the Tea Bread

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

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, sour cream, and lemon juice until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!

Fold in the Blueberries

Dust the blueberries with a little flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider glazing the bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice once it has cooled.

Storage and Freezing

Once your Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, consider refrigerating it; just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture, making it less fluffy than when it was freshly baked. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, where it can last for up to three months.

When ready to enjoy your frozen tea bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or bring it to room temperature by leaving it on the counter for about two hours. If you want to revive its buttery flavor, a quick spin in the microwave for 15-20 seconds can bring back its moistness.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread shines on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your serving options. For a decadent twist, serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over each slice for an extra touch of sweetness and flair during special occasions or gatherings.

Pairing this tea bread with a hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a fun brunch idea, serve it alongside yogurt and fresh fruit to create a colorful and healthy spread. If you want to get creative, you could also try adding poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch or experimenting with different berries depending on the season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to help them maintain their shape.

→ How do I store the tea bread?

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

→ Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

→ What can I serve with Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread?

This bread is delicious on its own or served with butter, a side of fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream.