Why Make This Recipe
If you love the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon and blueberries, this Blueberry Lemon Loaf is the perfect treat for you! It combines the sweetness of fresh blueberries with the zing of lemon, creating a delightful and moist loaf that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes it visually appealing. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Loaf
Making your own Blueberry Lemon Loaf at home is straightforward and fun. Here’s a simple guide to help you create this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are completely blended.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients from the medium bowl into the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Do this gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula or wooden spoon. This method keeps the blueberries intact.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it starts to brown too much on top, you can cover it lightly with aluminum foil.
- While the loaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it to a cooling rack. Once it is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Loaf
Serving Blueberry Lemon Loaf is easy! You can slice it into thick pieces and enjoy it on its own or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon snack. This loaf can also make a wonderful breakfast treat. For a special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s an excellent option for brunches, picnics, or even as a delightful dessert after dinner.
How to Store Blueberry Lemon Loaf
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. To enjoy it later, you can freeze slices of the loaf. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or microwave it for a quick snack.
Tips to Make Blueberry Lemon Loaf
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blueberries and real lemon juice and zest will enhance the flavors of your loaf immensely.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Make sure your loaf is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like a sweeter loaf, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly or add more powdered sugar to the glaze.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warmth and depth of flavor.
Variation
If you want to try something different, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to your batter for added texture and flavor. You could also use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are not available, though make sure to add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from turning the batter blue. Another tasty variation would be to add a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist on flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Yes! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, diced strawberries, or chopped peaches. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the fruit you choose.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.
3. How do I know when the loaf is done baking?
The best way to check if your loaf is done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your loaf is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue to bake for a little longer.
Enjoy baking and savoring your Blueberry Lemon Loaf! It’s sure to brighten your day with its flavorful combination!
Print
Blueberry Lemon Loaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and moist loaf that combines fresh blueberries with the zing of lemon, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the blueberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Once cool, drizzle glaze over the loaf and serve.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: blueberry, lemon, loaf, dessert, baked good