Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf

Name: Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf
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 fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Soft Recipes

I absolutely adore baking this Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf whenever I have fresh blueberries on hand. The vibrant combination of sweet berries and zesty lemon creates a delightful balance that brightens up any day. This recipe is straightforward, allowing me to enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a special brunch or a casual weekday treat, this loaf always impresses. Plus, the inviting aroma that fills my kitchen is truly irresistible!

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-02-16T02:05:35.886Z

When I first made this Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf, I was captivated by how well the flavors complemented each other. The burst of juicy blueberries paired with the bright tang of lemon creates a lightness that makes each slice special. I discovered that using room temperature ingredients yields a tender crumb, and taking the time to mix the batter slowly enhances the loaf's texture.

Another tip I’ve learned is to coat the blueberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking, ensuring that every bite is filled with fruity goodness. Trust me, this loaf will become a favorite in your household!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of tart lemon and sweet blueberries
A rustic, homemade appearance that impresses friends and family
Delicious warm or toasted with a bit of butter

The Magic of Blueberries and Lemon

Blueberries not only add sweetness to this loaf but also bring moisture, which is crucial for creating a tender crumb. The juiciness of fresh blueberries contrasts beautifully with the zesty lemon, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal of your loaf. When mixing in the blueberries, I recommend using a gentle folding technique to prevent them from bursting and staining the batter, which helps preserve that lovely yellow color from the lemon.

Lemon zest is a key player in this recipe, elevating the loaf's flavor profile. The aromatic oils found in the zest provide a bright, citrusy essence that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. To maximize the zest's flavor, ensure you use a microplane grater for fine pieces. This allows the lemon's fragrance to disperse evenly throughout the batter, resulting in a well-rounded taste with each slice.

Baking Techniques for Success

Properly creaming the butter and sugar is essential for achieving a light and fluffy loaf. Make sure your butter is at room temperature—soft enough to create a paste-like texture while still holding its shape— to incorporate air effectively. Whipping these ingredients together for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy will make a noticeable difference in the loaf’s texture.

When combining your wet and dry ingredients, remember to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, as it develops gluten in the flour. You should look for a batter that has some lumps but is cohesive. The addition of the buttermilk not only reacts with the baking soda for leavening but also adds a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness of the blueberries.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful loaf:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your rustic loaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

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, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Lemon

Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture, mixing well until fully combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Slice and enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top of the cooled loaf.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. If you're hosting a brunch, consider pairing slices with a side of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a delicious contrast in textures. It also functions beautifully as a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit.

For a fun twist, try toasting slices before serving. The crispy exterior enhances the rustic look and brings out the loaf's flavor even more. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can add an extra layer of sweetness—perfect for a special occasion!

Storage Tips

Once your Blueberry Lemon Rustic Loaf has cooled completely, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider freezing. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or gently warm individual slices in the toaster.

For those who prefer fresher flavors, you can also slice the loaf before freezing individual pieces. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever a craving strikes, allowing you to enjoy this treat any time without it going stale.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but make sure to add them frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I replace buttermilk with regular milk?

Certainly! Just add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk to create a buttermilk substitute.

→ Is it possible to make this loaf vegan?

Yes! You can use a plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs instead of regular eggs.