This Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread is where rustic Italian bread meets vibrant spring flavors. It takes everything you love about classic focaccia—the chewy texture, olive oil richness, and golden crust—and swirls in bursts of fresh blueberries and tangy lemon zest. The result is a showstopping sweet-and-savory bread that works as a brunch centerpiece, an afternoon snack, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery olive oil and juicy fruit, topped with a lemon glaze and slices of candied lemon for that extra sparkle. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a weekend bread enthusiast, this recipe is a joy to make and even more joyful to share.

What Kind of Focaccia Dough Should I Use?

You want a classic, slow-rise focaccia dough for this recipe—one that’s slightly sticky and enriched with olive oil. A longer proof time gives it the airy, chewy interior we love. Store-bought pizza dough won’t give the same texture or depth, so it’s worth making the dough from scratch or choosing a dough specifically labeled “focaccia” if buying pre-made.

Ingredients for the Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread

Bread Flour – Provides the strength and chew that makes focaccia irresistible.

Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly and develop its airy texture.

Warm Water – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

Olive Oil – Used both in the dough and on top for that signature golden crust and rich flavor.

Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the blueberries.

Fresh Blueberries – Burst with juiciness as the bread bakes, adding fruity pockets in every slice.

Lemon Zest – Infuses the dough with citrus brightness.

Lemon Slices (for topping) – Decorative and tangy, they caramelize slightly as they bake.

Powdered Sugar + Lemon Juice – Whisked together to make a simple glaze that finishes the bread with a glossy tang.

How To Make the Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Slowly pour in warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Coat a clean bowl with olive oil and transfer the dough into it. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise is what gives focaccia its airy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan generously with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently stretch it to fill the space. If it resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Once the dough is shaped in the pan, press dimples all over the surface using your fingertips. Scatter the fresh blueberries over the top, gently pressing them into the dough. Sprinkle lemon zest evenly. Add a few thin slices of lemon on top for a beautiful baked-in finish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Let the dough rise again in the pan for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 425°F (220°C). This final rise helps create the fluffy interior.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown, especially around the edges. The blueberries will burst and caramelize slightly.

Step 7: Glaze It Up

Once slightly cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to make a glaze. Drizzle generously over the focaccia. Garnish with extra lemon slices or zest if you like a little flair.

How to Serve and Store Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread

Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. The glaze will set as it cools, and the lemon slices add a punch of brightness in each bite. Serve it as a sweet brunch bread, a side with tea, or even topped with mascarpone or whipped ricotta for a more decadent treat.

To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat in the oven or toaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the blueberries from sinking?

Tossing the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the dough helps suspend them better during baking.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! Use them straight from the freezer and don’t thaw. This keeps the dough from getting too wet.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

All-purpose flour can work in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly less chewy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for a slower fermentation. Bring it to room temp before shaping and baking.

Is this bread sweet or savory?

It’s a sweet-leaning focaccia, with fruity and citrus notes balanced by the savory olive oil base. Not overly sugary.

Can I skip the glaze?

Sure! The glaze adds sweetness and shine, but the bread is delicious on its own or dusted with a little powdered sugar.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Fruity Twist?

If this Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread made your kitchen smell like a dream, you’ll love these other bakes that blend fruit and creativity:

Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby for a puffed skillet pancake with a custardy center.
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes with a zesty glaze and individual charm.
Zesty Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies if you want a lemony snack without the oven.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a touch of sweetness.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for creamy, tangy, fruity indulgence in bite-size.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can revisit it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And if you give this Lemon Blueberry Focaccia Bread a try, drop a comment! Did you go wild with extra lemon zest? Add another glaze flavor? Or keep it classic?

Hearing your twists and tips is half the fun—and it helps others feel inspired too. Let’s bake, share, and make it delicious together.