I absolutely love this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe because it combines so many delightful flavors and textures in one loaf. The fresh tang of lemon and the burst of sweet blueberries paired with moist, tender zucchini make it a perfect snack or breakfast treat. You’ll find that the bread stays wonderfully moist and fresh for days, making it a great choice for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
When I first tried this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make and how it never fails to impress guests or my family. It’s one of those recipes that works well year-round, but especially in spring and summer when blueberries and zucchini are at their peak. Trust me, it’s totally worth trying because the lemony glaze on top adds that gorgeous finishing touch that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist while fresh lemon zest brightens every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most ingredients on hand, making it an easy recipe to whip up anytime.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert — it fits any part of your day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, moisture, and that fresh lemon zing. Look for firm zucchinis and ripe blueberries to get the best flavor in your bread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the lemon or blueberries.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender — I prefer neutral oil to let the lemon shine through.
- Buttermilk: Provides a slight tang that complements the lemon zest beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the bread; sifting ensures a light texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the bread a perfect rise.
- Fine sea salt or table salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Grated zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle earthiness without overpowering the bread.
- Blueberries: Use fresh if possible for burst of juicy sweetness.
- Two lemons: You’ll need zest from two lemons and juice from one for the batter; the juice from another lemon goes into the icing.
- Powdered sugar: For that glossy, citrusy glaze topping — it’s the final touch that makes the bread irresistible.
Variations
I love to tweak this Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe in small ways depending on the season or mood. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Use frozen blueberries: When fresh berries aren’t available, frozen works just fine—I just toss them in from frozen and fold gently so they don’t bleed too much.
- Swap buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mixing regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works great as a substitute.
- Gluten-free option: Try a gluten-free flour blend for a twist, but be mindful of baking time as it can bake faster or slower.
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch—my family loves this extra texture.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5” loaf pan with non-stick spray. Then, grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as you can using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel. This step is key—removing the excess water keeps your bread from turning soggy. Set the zucchini aside on paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture while you move on.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined. Then whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here—you want the batter to be smooth but still light. Finally, fold in the grated zucchini, blueberries, lemon zest from two lemons, and juice from one lemon, distributing them evenly.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Cool the bread in the pan for around 15 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the bread set so it slices nicely.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
Once the bread is cool, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it generously over the top of the bread, letting it drip down the sides. This glaze adds an irresistible brightness and a slight sweetness that balances perfectly with the zucchini and berries.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Squeeze the Zucchini Thoroughly: I’ve learned that removing as much moisture as possible prevents the bread from being too wet or dense.
- Fold Gently: To keep the blueberries intact and prevent color bleed, gently fold them into the batter instead of stirring vigorously.
- Check Oven Temperature: Every oven bakes differently—use a toothpick test rather than relying solely on time to get perfect doneness.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying glaze on warm bread melts it too much; let it cool fully for a pretty, shiny finish.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep things simple with this bread by adding a light sprinkling of powdered sugar or a few fresh lemon zest curls on top after glazing. Sometimes, a handful of fresh blueberries on the side makes for a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of berry goodness.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad — the fresh fruit and creamy yogurt complement the tangy bread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the bread into small squares and serve them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or fresh mint sprigs. You could even turn this into mini loaf pans or muffins to make individual servings—great for picnics or gifting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lemon blueberry zucchini bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container at room temperature. It usually stays fresh for 3-4 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
Freezing slices individually wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag works beautifully. When I want a quick treat, I just thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temp for an hour. The texture and flavor hold up remarkably well.
Reheating
To warm up the bread, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat it briefly in a toaster oven. If I want the glaze to be a bit melty and fresh-tasting, reheating gently works wonders without drying out the bread.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just fine, though I recommend folding them in gently straight from frozen to minimize their bleeding into the batter. This helps keep your bread bright without turning everything purple.
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Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
No peeling necessary! The skin is thin and adds color plus nutrients. Just grate the zucchini as is and remember to squeeze out the excess water for the best texture.
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Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind baking times may vary slightly, so start checking for doneness a bit earlier or later depending on your blend.
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How do I know when the bread is done?
Use the classic toothpick test! Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, reliable, and endlessly delicious. I love how it turns ordinary ingredients into something festive that feels like a little celebration with every slice. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how quickly it becomes a staple in your own home too. And hey, baking this is a great excuse to enjoy fresh seasonal produce and share a homemade treat with the people you love!
PrintLemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the fresh and moist Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread, a perfect balance of sweet blueberries, tangy lemon, and nutritious zucchini. This quick bread is tender, flavorful, and topped with a zesty lemon glaze, making it a fantastic treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
Produce
- 1 cup grated zucchini, water removed
- 3/4 to 1 cup blueberries
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons (1 lemon for the batter, 1 lemon for the glaze)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Drain the Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a cheesecloth or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture over the sink. Let it rest on a paper towel until ready to be folded into the batter to avoid sogginess.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. Gently fold in the drained zucchini, blueberries, lemon zest from 2 lemons, and the juice of 1 lemon, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack to prevent sogginess from residual steam and let it cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and juice from 1 lemon until smooth. Drizzle this lemon glaze evenly over the cooled bread for a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- To efficiently remove excess water from grated zucchini, wrap it in a cheesecloth or several paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink.
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice is key to achieving the bright citrus flavor in both the batter and the glaze.
- Adjust the amount of blueberries according to preference, but too many may affect the bread’s texture.
- Allowing the bread to cool fully before glazing prevents the glaze from melting into the bread excessively.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg