The Best Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze & Streusel Topping

Imagine a slice of pure comfort: light, fluffy gluten-free blueberry bread, generously crowned with a golden, buttery streusel topping, and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. This isn’t just a loaf; it’s an experience, reminiscent of your favorite blueberry coffee cake, but crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients. This delightful one-bowl quick bread is not only incredibly easy to make but also entirely refined sugar-free, offering a healthier indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Crafting the Perfect, Easy, and Moist Blueberry Bread

My journey to create this ultimate blueberry bread started with a simple goal: a wholesome, comforting breakfast loaf. After several rounds of meticulous testing, I landed on a recipe that beautifully marries the rich, tender texture of a classic pound cake with the health-conscious benefits of nutritious ingredients. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of quick oats and blanched almond flour, which together create an incredibly moist crumb and an irresistible lightness that will have you coming back for more. This isn’t just a bread; it’s a testament to how delicious healthy eating can be.

If your heart beats for blueberries as much as mine does, you’ll also adore these other vibrant recipes: try my refreshing blueberry chia pudding with lemon cashew cream, indulge in the creamy goodness of healthy blueberry crisp ice cream, or start your day right with blueberry crisp overnight oats.

Why This Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe isn’t just another loaf of bread; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, healthier baked good. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Effortless One-Bowl Quick Bread: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire bread batter comes together in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process genuinely enjoyable. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick, delicious treat.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: We focus on real food. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to be natural and nourishing, free from highly processed elements. You’ll recognize and feel good about everything that goes into this loaf.
• Whip It Up in Minutes: From start to oven, you’ll only need about 15 minutes of active preparation time. No fancy stand mixer required – just a bowl, a whisk, and your enthusiasm! This makes it an ideal spontaneous bake.
• Dietary-Friendly Indulgence: This recipe is a fantastic choice for various dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely refined sugar-free. This means you can enjoy a healthier snack or dessert option without compromising on flavor or worrying about common allergens.
• Irresistibly Fluffy and Moist: Prepare for a texture sensation! This bread is incredibly light and fluffy, yet perfectly moist. The combination of almond flour and quick oats creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, bursting with delightful flavor in every bite.
• Bursting with Blueberry and Lemon Zest: Whether you use fresh or frozen blueberries, each slice is studded with juicy bursts of berry goodness. The fresh lemon juice throughout the bread and in the vibrant glaze adds a bright, tangy counterpoint that elevates the entire flavor profile.
• Super Easy and Foolproof: Even if you’re a novice baker, this recipe is designed for success. The steps are straightforward, and the forgiving nature of the ingredients means you’re almost guaranteed a perfect loaf every time.
• Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Bake a batch, enjoy some now, and save the rest for later! This blueberry bread freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to easily reheat slices for a quick breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a last-minute dessert whenever a craving strikes.

How to Make the Ultimate Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread with Streusel

You’ll find the complete, detailed measurements and instructions in the comprehensive recipe card below. But let’s walk through the process to give you a clear overview of how easy it is to create this delightful treat!

Blueberry Bread Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, watch this step-by-step video that demonstrates just how simple it is to bring this delicious gluten-free blueberry bread to life. See the ingredients combine and the streusel come together!

Essential Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all the wet and dry ingredients in one place, minimizing cleanup.
• Spatula or Whisk: Perfect for gently folding ingredients and ensuring everything is well combined without overmixing.
• Bread Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even baking and a perfectly shaped loaf.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper is key for easy removal of the baked bread and hassle-free cleanup.

Wholesome Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the texture, flavor, and health benefits of this gluten-free blueberry bread:

For the Light and Fluffy Bread:

• Almond Flour: This is the star for achieving that incredibly fluffy and tender bread texture. Ensure you use blanched almond flour, which is finely ground and has had its skin removed, resulting in a lighter bake. The only direct 1:1 substitute is cashew flour, which offers a similar fine texture and fat content.
• Quick Oats: These provide a wonderful, subtle chewiness and texture to the bread that rolled oats can’t quite match. Quick oats are smaller and absorb moisture more efficiently, contributing to the loaf’s perfect consistency. Old-fashioned rolled oats are typically too large and thick for this recipe.
• Tapioca Flour: Also known as tapioca starch, this ingredient helps bind the gluten-free flours and contributes to a light, slightly chewy texture. You can also use arrowroot flour (or arrowroot starch) as a direct substitute.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs are crucial here. They act as a binding agent, provide structure, and help with the rise of the bread, contributing to its light and airy crumb.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners provide a lovely depth of flavor without relying on refined sugars. Choose high-quality pure maple syrup or raw honey for the best taste.
• Coconut Sugar: An unrefined sugar alternative with a subtle caramel-like flavor. It adds sweetness without the harshness of white sugar. For a completely sugar-free option, monk fruit sweetener can be used as a 1:1 replacement.
• Yogurt (Greek or Coconut): This is key for moisture and a delicate tanginess. Using a thick Greek yogurt (dairy) or a thick coconut yogurt (dairy-free) will yield the best results. Make sure it’s at room temperature to prevent the coconut oil from solidifying.
• Coconut Oil: Our preferred healthy fat for richness and moisture. Melted coconut oil works beautifully, but you can also substitute with grass-fed butter, dairy-free butter, avocado oil, or ghee for similar results.
• Baking Staples: A touch of Vanilla Extract enhances all the flavors, a Pinch of Sea Salt balances the sweetness, and a hint of Cinnamon adds warmth and complements the blueberries perfectly.

For the Irresistible Streusel Topping:

• Chopped Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the streusel. Feel free to experiment with other chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Rolled Oats: Different from quick oats, rolled oats (old-fashioned) are ideal for the streusel as they create a coarser, more substantial crumb.
• Coconut Oil: Binds the streusel ingredients together and ensures a crisp, golden topping. Vegan butter, ghee, or avocado oil are also great substitutes.
• Coconut Sugar: Provides a wonderful sweetness and helps the streusel caramelize slightly. For a sugar-free alternative, golden monk fruit sweetener works perfectly.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that ties all the streusel flavors together, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.

For the Zesty Lemon Glaze:

• Monk Fruit Powdered Sugar: I opt for powdered monk fruit sweetener to keep the entire recipe lower in sugar, without sacrificing sweetness. However, if dietary restrictions aren’t a concern, traditional powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) can be used as a direct substitute for a classic glaze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This provides the essential tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweet blueberries and adds a bright, refreshing finish to the loaf. Always use fresh-squeezed for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Blueberry Bread

Follow these simple steps to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful gluten-free blueberry loaf:

• Step One: Prepare the Batter. In a generously sized mixing bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. The final addition should be the blueberries; carefully fold them in, making sure not to over-mix. This gentle approach prevents the blueberries from breaking and streaking their color throughout the batter, keeping your loaf beautifully marbled.
• Step Two: Assemble the Loaf. Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into your loaf pan, which you’ve already lined with parchment paper for easy release. Spread the batter gently to ensure an even thickness. In a separate small bowl, quickly mix together all the ingredients for your streusel topping until a crumbly texture forms.
• Step Three: Bake to Golden Perfection. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the surface of the loaf batter. Gently press the streusel into the batter slightly to help it adhere during baking. Transfer your loaf pan to a preheated oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 50-55 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
• Step Four: Glaze and Enjoy! While your loaf cools, prepare the luscious lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered monk fruit sweetener (or regular powdered sugar) and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Once the baked loaf has cooled completely to room temperature – this is crucial for preventing crumbling when slicing – generously drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the top. Now, slice your beautiful bread and savor every delicious bite!

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread

Achieving bakery-quality gluten-free blueberry bread is easy with these insider tips:

• Gently Fold Blueberries: To maintain distinct pockets of blue and avoid a purple-tinted batter, always fold the blueberries in gently at the very end. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them; add them directly to the batter to prevent bleeding. A light dusting of tapioca flour on frozen berries can also help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Avoid Over-mixing: For a tender and light crumb, mix the batter just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in traditional flours (not an issue here, but still good practice) and, more importantly, can make almond flour-based breads dense and tough.
• Adjust Sweetness: The streusel and lemon glaze contribute significant sweetness. If you choose to omit one or both toppings, you might want to increase the coconut sugar in the bread batter by 1/4 cup to ensure the loaf is sweet enough for your preference.
• Berry Variations: Get creative with your berries! While blueberries are classic, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries would all be absolutely delicious substitutes, offering different flavor profiles.
• Egg-Free/Vegan Alternatives: This recipe relies heavily on eggs for structure. I have not personally tested vegan alternatives, and I can confirm that flax eggs typically do not provide enough binding or lift in this type of gluten-free quick bread. Commercial egg replacers might work, but I cannot guarantee the same light and fluffy results. Proceed with caution if attempting egg-free.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: This is perhaps the most important tip for any quick bread, especially gluten-free ones. Warm bread is much more fragile and prone to crumbling. Allowing the loaf to cool completely (at least 1-2 hours) on a wire rack allows it to set, making it much easier to slice into neat, beautiful pieces without falling apart.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause melted coconut oil to seize and clump, leading to an uneven batter.
• Don’t Peek Too Early: Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently, especially in the first 30 minutes of baking. This can cause the bread to sink in the middle.
• Test for Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, gently press on the center of the loaf. It should spring back slightly, indicating it’s cooked through. If it feels too soft or jiggly, give it a few more minutes.

Storage, Freezing, and Serving Suggestions

Storing Your Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread

To keep your delicious loaf fresh and moist, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, or if you plan to keep it longer, transferring it to the refrigerator can extend its freshness for up to a week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the streusel soggy.

Freezing for Later Enjoyment

This blueberry bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or having a quick treat on hand. Once the loaf is completely cooled, you have a couple of options:

• Whole Loaf: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for several hours, or overnight.
• Individual Slices: For ultimate convenience, slice the cooled bread first. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows you to grab just one slice whenever a craving strikes! Thaw individual slices at room temperature, or gently warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile blueberry bread is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a wholesome and satisfying start to your day.
• Afternoon Snack: A perfect pick-me-up that’s both delicious and energizing.
• Healthy Dessert: Serve it slightly warmed with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla (dairy-free) ice cream for an impressive yet healthy dessert.
• Brunch Favorite: A beautiful addition to any brunch spread, especially when guests have dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making this gluten-free blueberry bread:

• Can I use only almond flour? No, this recipe uses a blend of almond flour, quick oats, and tapioca flour for optimal texture and structure. Using only almond flour would result in a denser, wetter loaf that may not hold together as well.
• What if I don’t have tapioca flour? You can substitute tapioca flour with arrowroot flour (or starch) in a 1:1 ratio. Cornstarch may also work, but results can vary slightly.
• Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! Just be sure to add them directly from the freezer, unthawed, to the batter. You can also lightly toss them in a tablespoon of tapioca flour before adding to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• How do I know when the bread is done? The best way is the toothpick test. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is cooked through. The top should also be golden brown, and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the pan.
• Can I reduce the sugar even further? Yes, you can. The recipe already uses unrefined and sugar-free options. If you prefer less sweetness, you could slightly reduce the maple syrup in the bread and adjust the amount of monk fruit sweetener in the glaze to your taste. Keep in mind that sugar plays a role in moisture and browning.
• My bread is crumbling, what went wrong? The most common reason for crumbling is cutting the bread before it has completely cooled. Gluten-free breads need ample time to set. Ensure it’s fully cooled (at least 1-2 hours) before slicing.

More Healthy Desserts & Treats to Try

If you loved this healthy blueberry bread, be sure to explore more delicious and wholesome recipes from my kitchen:

• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Coffee Cake
• Paleo Mini Cinnamon Rolls
• Snickers Almond Flour Banana Bread (Gluten-Free)
• Crunchy Granola Clusters
• Healthy Glazed Lemon Bread
• Healthier Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Berry Breakfast Crumble

If you try this incredible gluten-free blueberry bread recipe and absolutely love it, please consider leaving a star rating and review below! Your feedback means the world to me. And don’t forget to tag me in your delightful creations @danishealthyeats on Instagram! Happy baking! x