Lemon Blueberry Loaf Recipe

A tangy and sweet lemon blueberry loaf that's perfect for any occasion.

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delightful treat that pairs the zesty flavor of lemons with the sweet, juicy bursts of blueberries. It's an ideal dessert for any season, bringing a bit of sunshine to your table regardless of the weather outside. Whether you're enjoying it with a warm cup of tea or simply snacking on a slice, this loaf will surely brighten your day.

This recipe is straightforward, making it a fantastic bake for both beginners and experienced bakers. With a moist crumb and a bright lemon glaze, this loaf is not just tasty but visually appealing as well. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a mid-afternoon treat. So gather your ingredients and read on to learn how to make this delightful Lemon Blueberry Loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (2-3 lemons)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)

Nutrition

Calories: ~250 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before moving to the next step.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix the batter as this can result in a dense loaf.
6. Prepare Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss 1 cup of fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps to prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf as it bakes. Gently fold the coated blueberries into the batter.
7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the loaf cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
11. Glaze: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Congratulations! You've successfully made a delicious Lemon Blueberry Loaf. This loaf is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Try it toasted with a bit of butter for breakfast, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. Its tangy lemon flavor paired with the sweetness of the blueberries is sure to make it a hit at any gathering.

Remember, the key to a perfect Lemon Blueberry Loaf lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Always opt for fresh lemons and ripe blueberries to ensure the best flavor. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and airy.

A pro tip for storage: If you have any leftovers, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the loaf at room temperature and enjoy as if it were freshly baked.

Above all, have fun with your baking! Cooking and baking can be a therapeutic activity, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of enjoying a slice of something you made yourself. Bon appétit!