Lemon Blueberry Bread Streusel (Printable)

Tender bread with fresh blueberries and lemon, finished with a buttery streusel topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread Base

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Berry Addition

12 - 1 cup fresh blueberries
13 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for coating

→ Streusel Topping

14 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
17 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
18 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour melted butter over mixture and stir with fork until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
04 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
06 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing by hand with spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
07 - Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour in a separate bowl. Gently fold coated berries into batter.
08 - Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle streusel topping over surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
09 - Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes. Using parchment overhang, remove to wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The streusel creates this incredible crunch that keeps the top interesting long after the bread has cooled
  • Fresh blueberries burst in your mouth while the lemon keeps everything bright and not too sweet
  • It somehow tastes better on day two, making it perfect for lazy breakfasts or afternoon snacks
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter will make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you dont see dry streaks
  • The streusel might sink slightly into the batter as it bakes, but that creates these wonderful cinnamon swirls
  • Start checking at 50 minutes since ovens vary and you want that perfect moist crumb
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a more tender crumb
  • Freshly zested lemon makes a huge difference compared to bottled juice
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing or the center might collapse

Go Back