Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf

Pairing the tart flavour of lemon with the sweet flavour of blueberries, this lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf is so good. It’s the perfect recipe for berry season when you can enjoy all kinds of abundant berries from the farmers’ markets. In British Columbia where I live, we have the biggest highbush blueberry growing region on the planet! This quick bread is moist, tender, and just bursting with fresh blueberries!

Slices of a homemade lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf on a wood platter.

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Making muffins, loaves and cakes is always a great way to use juicy, fresh blueberries, but this lemon blueberry loaf is in a league of its own. Lemon and blueberry go together so well. You’re going to love the amazing flavour contrast.

A stack of lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf slices on a wood board.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf with Blueberries

  • Delicious:  This loaf is literally bursting with fresh blueberries, poppy seeds and tangy lemon. Not only do you get a wonderful harmony of flavours but the crunch from the poppy seeds is also great. Nobody will refuse a second slice of this!
  • Nutritious:  Not every sweet treat offers vitamins and minerals, but this one does. Half a cup of blueberries gives you 10% of your daily Vitamin C intake and has just 44 calories. They’re also rich in antioxidants. And then you have calcium from the milk, sour cream and butter, along with iron, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus from the poppy seeds.
  • Easy:  Making a lemon blueberry loaf is so simple. It’s mainly a case of just combining ingredients together and then baking the loaf.
Slices of a lemon poppy seed loaf with fresh blueberries on a wood platter.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf Ingredients

This tasty loaf is made with fresh blueberries. You could use thawed but honestly, the results are so much better with fresh, so use those if possible!

Ingredients for a blueberry lemon poppy seed loaf on a wood board.
A blueberry lemon poppy seed loaf with one slice cut from it.

You will also need flour, poppy seeds, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and milk. You will also need fresh lemons for the lemon juice and lemon zest.

A homemade loaf of lemon blueberry poppy seed bread on a wire rack.

How to Make Lemon and Blueberry Loaf

For more detailed instructions, with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Combine the dry ingredients:  Mix the flour with the poppy seeds, baking soda and baking powder.
Beat the rest of the ingredients:  Mix the sugar, lemon zest and butter with the eggs and vanilla, and the milk with the sour cream.
Add the blueberries:  Gently stir in the fresh blueberries.
Bake the loaf:  Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and bake until done, then cool on a wire rack.

Overhead view of a homemade loaf of lemon blueberry poppy seed bread on a wire rack.

Substitutions and Variations

Little changes you could make include swapping the lemon zest and juice for orange or lime zest and juice, or changing the vanilla for another flavour. You can boost the lemon flavour by adding a lemon glaze. Mini loaf pans could be used, with an adjustment in the bake time.

Slices of a homemade lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf on a wood platter.  There is a beverage in the background and a bowl of blueberries in the foreground.

If you don’t like or don’t have poppy seeds, feel free to leave them out. If you are a poppy seed fan though, try this Starbucks style lemon poppy seed loaf. I bet you’d also love these blueberry muffins.

Close up of slices of a homemade lemon blueberry poppyseed loaf on a wood platter.

What to Serve with Blueberry Lemon Loaf

I like this with coffee in the morning or tea in the afternoon. I made an extra loaf once and took it to a bachelorette viewing night at a friend’s house and it disappeared so fast. It makes a great treat with wine if you really want to indulge.

A stack of lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf slices on a wood board.

Storage Instructions

Store:  Keep any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for 2 or 3 days at room temperature.
Freeze:  You can freeze the loaf (cut it into slices first so you only have to thaw what you need) for a couple of months.

Close up of a slice of lemon poppy seed loaf with blueberries.

Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf FAQs

How do you stop the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?

A handy trick for this is to dust your plump blueberries with some flour. This helps to suspend them in the batter so they end up evenly spread through the loaf.

Do poppy seeds go bad?

Poppy seeds aren’t exactly an ingredient you will use every day, so you might be wondering whether they can go bad. The answer is yes they can. If there’s any mould or discolouration, then throw it out. Otherwise, just crush a few between your fingers. If they barely have any aroma or smell strange, you should buy some fresh ones.

What is a quick bread?

Quick bread is loaves and coffee cakes that use baking powder or baking soda for leavening agents. You don’t need to wait for it to rise and no kneading is required. Berries, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and spices can add flavour to loaf.

A lemon blueberry poppy seed bread with a slice cut from it to show the berries inside.

Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf

Lemon Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf

5 from 51 votes
Course: Food, Sweets
Cuisine: American
Keyword: loaf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Calories: 215kcal
Author: Bella Bucchiotti
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries with this moist and tender lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf.
Print Save

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 Cups flour
  • 1 Cup blueberries fresh
  • 2 Tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Cup granulated sugar
  • 3 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 Cup butter unsalted, room temperature
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 Cup sour cream
  • 1/4 Cup milk
  • 4 Tablespoon lemon juice fresh

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan and set it aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
  • Add sugar and lemon zest to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle. Mix. Add butter to sugar mixture and mix on medium speed.
  • Mix in eggs one at a time, adding in vanilla and the last egg.
  • In a microwave safe bowl whisk together the milk with sour cream. Heat mixture in microwave just until room temperature.
  • Mix all ingredients (flour mixture and wet ingredients) adding gradually and not over-mixing. Add the blueberries and mix lightly so the berries don’t break.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes in the loaf pan before turning out onto a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 146IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg
Join me on Facebook!Like @XOXOBellaBucchiotti on Facebook for more recipe ideas

The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Lemon blueberry poppy seed loaf is easy to make and truly tasty. It’s a memorable lemon poppy seed cake with blueberries boasting tangy lemon, sweet blueberries and the crunch of poppy seeds in every bite. This lemon blueberry poppy seed oaf cake is great for any occasion.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for food, dogs, fitness, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.

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Recipe Rating




  1. BuildYourOwnEmpire wrote:

    I just love poppyseed baked goods! There’s just something about poppyseeds that floats my boat πŸ˜€ I bake for my bf (you know, to maintain my ”best gf ever” status, haha) Loved the post!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  2. Robin Rue wrote:

    Lemon and blueberries are one of my favorite flavor combinations. I want to make this and then eat the entire thing myself!!!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  3. I am wishing I had a loaf of this as I sit here this morning for breakfast…looks delicious!!!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  4. Imogen Clegg wrote:

    wow this looks so tasty! I think I have a project for this weekend!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  5. Shirley Wood wrote:

    I just bought blueberries! Your recipe sounds scrumptious and looks so delicious. Great for breakfast or dessert.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  6. Nelu wrote:

    My mouth is watering right now. This looks delicious!!! I would totally try it!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  7. Lauren wrote:

    Lemon and Blueberry go so well together – looks delish!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  8. Robin G. wrote:

    I love anything and everything lemon! and then you go in and add blueberries! Oh my!! Yum!! Pinning!
    Penn&Quill || Robin

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  9. Rachel Willis wrote:

    So glad I’m not the only one who keeps the favorite child status by making dad food lol! Mine loves my pancakes! I LOVE blueberries, lemon and poppy seeds together, so this is perfect! Would never have thought to pair with wine, definitely going to try that!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  10. mckenna bleu wrote:

    That looks so delicious!! Ill have to try it!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  11. omg this looks SO good!!!
    xo
    Lee Anne

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  12. This looks SO good! I love blueberry – anything! Pinning so I can try it soon!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  13. Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com wrote:

    This looks so delicious! I love poppyseeds so this would be perfect as lemon is one of my faves. Couldn’t hurt to have some more blueberries in my diet either! Yum

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  14. FantabuLESS Life wrote:

    My husband loves poppy seeds and I love blueberries. This is a perfect loaf for us to share!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  15. Dreammerin wrote:

    It looks sooooo yummyyy! I need to add this to my Pinterest board.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  16. Maggie Unzueta wrote:

    With my morning coffee, this would be perfect. Pinning for later. πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  17. Rachel Golden wrote:

    This looks so delicious! I just watched the Bachelorette last night and would have loved to have this to munch on while freaking out about Chad! hahahah

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
    • Oh my don’t even get me started about chad!!! ahaha Thank you smooch for stopping by!

      Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  18. This looks so yummy! I’m always in awe of your food photography skills. This post is no exception!

    Kayla | kaylablogs.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  19. Jeanette wrote:

    My mother has a favorite bread it’s a lemon poppyseed bread! Her favorite fruit is blueberries, so you know this will be made the next time I see my mother.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  20. Wine and loaf bread! Yes please! I don’t eat much bread or carbs really but when I do I go all out. Definitely going to have to try this this weekend. πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  21. Jenny wrote:

    Wow, this looks amazing! I will definitely have to make some soon.
    xoxo, Jenny

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  22. I love lemon, blueberries, poppyseed AND bread! Together, this would be incredible! Thanks for the super easy to follow recipe!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  23. This looks so good, Bella! Wish I was eating a slice right now with my evening cup of coffee. It would be perfect!

    http://www.thesparklingdarling.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  24. I wish I could bake as well as you and I adore blueberry so this loaf would be perfect. It reminds me of a fruit and malt loaf.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  25. WhatWouldVWear wrote:

    OMG! This looks so good, Bella! You are one fantastic baker! PS: Just emailed you back! πŸ™‚

    xoxo, Vanessa

    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  26. This looks like such a delicious loaf! I love the combination of lemon and blueberry, so thisi s a must-try for me! Thanks for the recipe!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
    • Thank you Jenn!

      Posted 6.8.16 Reply
      • Tanya J Moyer wrote:

        5 stars
        This recipe sounds delicious. Can I use frozen blueberries? Can I use this in mini loaves pans?

        Posted 11.25.21 Reply
        • Bella wrote:

          hi! Yes, you can use frozen berries. I have not used mini loaf pans, but that will work. You will just need to reduce the cooking time. I would suggest just checking until done. The cooking time will depand on the size of mini loaf pans you use.

          Posted 11.27.21 Reply
  27. Candy Kage wrote:

    Blueberries are’t in season yet when they are I will be making this for my family.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  28. Miss ALK wrote:

    Total yumminess! This looks great Bella!

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  29. Marta Nightingale wrote:

    This looks so delicious. I’m going to make a vegan version tomorrow. Or even today.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  30. Kristen wrote:

    I love everything lemon poppyseed and your blueberry addition looks incredible!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  31. This looks so geed! Berries are always such a fun addition to coffee/pound cake type items. I too love to stock up while they aren’t outrageously priced!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
    • I do the same thing!! I tend to freeze a bunch while they are slow priced!! Thank you so much Amy!

      Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  32. Carrie Colbert wrote:

    Looks absolutely delicious, Bella!

    Carrie

    http://www.wearwherewell.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
    • Thank you Carrie!! you can also make it gluten free and sugar free πŸ™‚

      Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  33. This recipe looks absolutely delicious!! Can’t wait to try it with some coffee!

    -Kelsie
    http://www.designlifediaires.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  34. Lemons and blueberries are always a winning combo! I bet this is amazing! I’ll have to try it!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  35. Aditi Oberoi Malhotra wrote:

    This looks so delicious! Thanks for the recipe!!

    Adi xx
    http://www.fancycorrectitude.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  36. Pam wrote:

    I love poppy seed muffins! This looks like a delicious recipe that my family would love. Perfect for Sunday brunch.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  37. Liz Mays wrote:

    Now this sounds amazing. I’d love to bake up a loaf of this for the family. Those flavors are perfect!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  38. Kayleigh wrote:

    This looks and sounds so delicious!
    http://www.kayleighskloset.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  39. Cait Weingartner wrote:

    I would love this! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!

    – Elise | http://www.prettyandfun.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  40. Hahah Ill have to send you some!! but it’s so easy to make!! Thank you so much Anna!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  41. Oh my friend is going to love this recipe! She has a bake sale for her children coming up and she’s been wanting to make something with berries. Thanks!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  42. Awe thank you so much Mikayla!!!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  43. Brandy wrote:

    This looks like a great recipe to give a try! Loving the idea of blueberry and lemon!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  44. Subhadrika Sen wrote:

    This looks like an interesting receipe to try out. I would forward it to my mum and maybe this sunday would be our baking day together.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  45. Oh my goodness, I need to try this recipe. We eat fresh blueberries everyday, this would for sure be a hit with our family.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  46. This is so pretty, and it looks amazing. I would love to try some.

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  47. Amy wrote:

    This looks delicious!! Need to try this recipe out!

    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  48. Amy wrote:

    This looks delicious!! Need to try this recipe out!

    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  49. Ashley wrote:

    This looks amazing! Your photos are always so gorgeous!

    xo Ashley

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  50. Would love a slice right now please! πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  51. Would love a slice right now please! πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  52. oh my this bread looks oh so amazing!!!!!! beautiful photography!

    kelseybang.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  53. oh my this bread looks oh so amazing!!!!!! beautiful photography!

    kelseybang.com

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  54. Thank you!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  55. Thank you!

    Posted 6.8.16 Reply
  56. Carrie Chady Rundhaug wrote:

    This looks incredible! Later on this summer I will definitely have to try to make this when its blueberry picking season!

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  57. Omg, yesssssss! I’m making this in the morning!

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  58. Suzanne wrote:

    This looks soooo yummy! Going to make this weekend!

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  59. Miss Angie wrote:

    This looks PERFECT! I need that heart eye emoji here… Lemon is my fave, and blueberry bread yes! So combine them? Lovely.

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  60. Amber Hill wrote:

    1. This looks amazing.
    2. You’re photos are always fabulous.
    3. Now I’m hungry.

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  61. Chris Huston wrote:

    Wow this looks incredible! I could eat this entire loaf:) It would also make the perfect hostess gift to bring someone!

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  62. Shari Welsh wrote:

    Looks great – make it VEGAN- USE ALMOND or SOY or COCONUT or CASHEW MILK- SKIP THE BUTTER USE ANY VEG. OIL or margarine that does not contain PALM OIL- WHICH IS DESTROYING THE FORESTS THAT R THE ONLY HOME OF ORANGUTANS.

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  63. Shari Welsh wrote:

    Looks great , MAKE IT VEGAN- SKIP the EGGS, USE ALMOND, SOY, CASHEW OR COCONUT MILK, SKIP THE BUTTER- USE ANY VEG. OIL, OR MARGARINE- IF U CAN FIND ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE ANY PALM OIL. USE OF PALM OIL IS CAUSING THE FORESTS OF BORNEO TO BE DESTROYED – THOSE FORESTS R THE ONLY HOME OF ORANGUTANS- PLEASE WATCH ORANGUTAN ISLAND THEY R LOSING ALL THIER FOREST HOMES & R BEING MURDERED, ORPHANED ABUSED, HOMELESS.

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  64. Fatima Ali wrote:

    This looks SO delicious! I wish I could grab it from your plate. Poppy seeds are a healthy option and I like them in my cakes.

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  65. Kristin Thompson wrote:

    This looks delicious! I’m a big fan of berries and love that it’s berry season too!

    Kristin
    The Blush Blonde

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  66. I’ve never had poppy seeds before, but I would love to try this. Looks like a great recipe for using summer berries!

    Xoxo,
    Amanda
    trulyyoursa.com

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  67. Anamika Ojha wrote:

    This looks so yummy. I have pinned it. Thanks for sharing the recipe! πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  68. Yum Yum, a must try! Perfect for Sunday morning treat!

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  69. Jessica wrote:

    You don’t know how much I love blueberries. Keep being a good daughter! Haha. I love that it’s perfect with wine. Have to try this. πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.9.16 Reply
  70. Yumm.. This recipe looks so delicious and I would love to try it today. Thanks for sharing!!

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  71. Alison wrote:

    I love your food posts, they’re always so inspiring. Blueberries are so delicious right now, I’m going to have to give this one a go (great to know it goes with wine haha!)

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  72. Joanna wrote:

    It looks amazing! I bet it’s delicious. Does it have the texture of a muffin? Blueberry muffins are my favorite ever and I can imagine that this loaf is a biiiiiiig blueberry muffin.

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  73. Yum this looks exceptional, I can’t wait to try it! Delish πŸ™‚

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  74. adriana nudo wrote:

    This looks SO good! I love trying new recipes, need to try this one!

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  75. omg so gorgeous and I bet so very tasty as well! Blueberries are my absolute favorite , totally baking this

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  76. Kira Thompson wrote:

    I love lemon poppy seed anything. I’ve never tried it with blueberry before but I have to try it asap! Looks fantastic!

    Posted 6.10.16 Reply
  77. Jessica Bradshaw wrote:

    Oh my word, girl! THis looks AMAZING. Yummmmmm! Adding this to my recipe list for sure.

    Posted 6.11.16 Reply
  78. You have officially hit us in our soft spot, we are obsessed with anything that has lemons and blueberries! We’ve never made a loaf before but are suddenly inspired to try this out!

    ISA Professional

    Posted 7.7.16 Reply
  79. Anna wrote:

    5 stars
    In love with this recipe! I’ve made it maybe 4 times now for family and work. A few changes for me: 3 tbsp of poppy seeds (I love the crunch), I did 3 lemons worth of zest (didn’t measure) and definitely more than a cup of blueberries.

    I also wanted to mention that the sour cream is blank on the ingredients and the lemon juice is sort of left out in the instructions. It just says combine all ingredients. (I forgot the lemon juice the first time!)

    Otherwise in love with this recipe. Adding to my repertoire. πŸ™‚

    Posted 1.11.21 Reply
    • Bella wrote:

      HI! thanks for letting me know, I changed the recipe format and some things didn’t change over correctly.

      Posted 1.12.21 Reply
  80. Julianne C wrote:

    5 stars
    Made this yesterday, so tasty! My loaf pan is glass and might be smaller than yours- think the batter was deeper in mine. I had to cook longer and it was slightly dry towards the ends when I got it to a color similar to yours. Middle, moister sections were delicious. Will make again!

    Posted 10.25.22 Reply
  81. Shelby wrote:

    5 stars
    This poppyseed loaf is the perfect blend of fresh and savory flavor! It’s also super light, the perfect dessert.

    Posted 3.15.23 Reply
  82. Gina wrote:

    5 stars
    I can’t get over how delicious this loaf came out! Loved the texture and flavor.

    Posted 3.15.23 Reply
  83. Addison wrote:

    5 stars
    This blueberry lemon loaf was so soft and fluffy! It had the best sweet and tart flavors.

    Posted 3.15.23 Reply
  84. GRETA wrote:

    5 stars
    I love how moist and tender this beautiful loaf is. Love the mixed flavor of lemon and blueberries…and the poppy seed is one of my favorite ingredients ever. It’s a shame how underrated it is. It was delicious. Big love!

    Posted 3.15.23 Reply
  85. Sara wrote:

    5 stars
    Wowwww this was SO GOOD. Perfectly lemony and moist. Currently eating a slice with my coffee this morning – LOVE it!!

    Posted 3.16.23 Reply