Have you ever tasted Costco’s famous lemon blueberry loaf and wondered: Can I make this at home—and make it even better? You’re not alone. With over 500,000 monthly searches for “Costco lemon blueberry loaf” and a growing number of home bakers searching for high-quality copycat recipes, it’s clear that this sweet, tangy treat is in high demand.
But here’s the good news: with this Costco Copycat Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe, you’ll recreate the moist, zesty, blueberry-packed loaf you’ve come to crave—only fresher, fluffier, and bursting with more natural flavor. The best part? It’s easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients and a few expert tips.
So if you’ve ever been in the Costco bakery aisle deciding between grabbing a lemon blueberry loaf or sticking to your calorie goals, this is your delicious solution. Whether you’re baking for brunch, guests, or just yourself, this recipe transforms an iconic store favorite into a better-than-bakery experience—right from your kitchen.
Ingredients List
To replicate and elevate the popular Costco Copycat Lemon Blueberry Bread, you’ll need ingredients that merge bold citrus flavors with bursts of juicy berries. Here’s the full list, plus substitutions to help you cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 2 large lemons (about 1 tbsp)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream for richness)
- ¼ cup whole milk (swap for almond or oat milk if dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking)
Optional Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest (for extra zing)
Substitution Tip: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour for added nuttiness. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and yogurt alternatives.
Timing
Time is precious in the kitchen, and this Costco Copycat Lemon Blueberry Bread respects that.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 60–65 minutes
- Cooling + Glazing time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 95 minutes
That’s 20% less time than many comparable bakery-style loaf recipes, which often call for extended prep or resting times. You’ll go from whisk to wow in under 1.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This small step keeps your loaf’s sides beautifully intact.
Pro Tip: Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature—this ensures a smooth batter and optimal rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and amplifies the citrus oil throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This aerates the batter, giving your bread that tender, cakey texture Costco’s version is known for.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Your batter will be smooth, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic at this stage.
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Blueberries
Gently add the dry mixture to wet—do not overmix. Fold in the flour-coated blueberries last. This technique helps suspend the berries evenly throughout the bread.
Tip: Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil at the 45-minute mark.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm loaf for that signature glossy finish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (1 of 10):
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
These values rival—that is, improve upon—the bakery version, which can sometimes exceed 400+ calories per slice due to excess sugar and preservatives.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten it up? Consider these adjustments:
- Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Substitute coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic index option
- Go dairy-free with almond milk and coconut yogurt
- Use flax eggs to make it completely plant-based
Flavor Maintenance Tip: Add a splash of lemon extract to intensify citrus notes when using substitutions that reduce fat or sugar content.
Serving Suggestions
This Costco Copycat Lemon Blueberry Bread is beyond versatile:
- Morning Glory: Toast and top with almond butter and a drizzle of honey
- Brunch Star: Serve alongside a yogurt parfait and fresh berries
- Dessert Twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprig of mint
- Afternoon Tea: Pair with Earl Grey for a citrus-highlighted tea time
- Gifting Moment: Wrap in parchment and tie with a ribbon—it’s a heartfelt homemade gift
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can make slip-ups. Avoid these:
- Overmixing the batter: Leads to a dense, rubbery texture
- Not coating blueberries in flour: Results in sunken, soggy bottom layers
- Baking at too high a temp: Causes overdone edges and undercooked center
- Skipping the lemon zest: You miss the essential aromatic oils that define the flavor
- Rushing the cool time: Slicing too early lets steam escape, making bread gummy
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your loaf bakery-fresh:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 7 days, wrapped in foil to retain moisture
- Freezer: Slice and individually wrap slices for grab-and-go snacking for up to 3 months
For best results, warm each slice in the toaster or microwave before serving to reawaken its texture and aroma.
Conclusion
There you have it: a Costco Copycat Lemon Blueberry Bread that’s fresher, fluffier, and feels truly homemade. You’ve replicated the signature tart-sweet flavor, tender crumb, and eye-catching glaze at a fraction of the cost—and with more control over ingredients and nutrition.
Why settle for store-bought when you can create a better-than-bakery experience right at home? Try this recipe, tell us what you think in the comments, and explore even more copycat delights in our recipe archive. Get ready to become the brunch MVP.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to use them straight from the freezer and coat them with flour to prevent color bleeding and sinking.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Slice the cooled loaf, wrap slices individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat for 20 seconds in the microwave or toast lightly.
Q: Can I bake these as muffins?
A: Great idea. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Makes about 12 muffins.
Q: How do I make the loaf more lemony?
A: Add 1 tsp of lemon extract or increase the zest to 1.5 tbsp for intensified flavor.
Q: What type of yogurt is best?
A: Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness without overwhelming flavor. You can also use dairy-free or low-fat alternatives.
