Whether you’re in the mood for a bright breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon delight, this Lemon Blueberry Loaf combines the tang of fresh lemon with the juicy burst of blueberries in a soft, buttery cake. It’s easy enough for a casual bake yet elegant enough to serve to family or friends with tea or coffee. Here’s how to make this refreshing loaf from scratch.
📝 Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
For the Loaf
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil) | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Lemon zest | ~2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2–3 tbsp |
| Plain yogurt (or sour cream) | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Blueberries (fresh or frozen, unthawed) | 1 cup |
Optional Lemon Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1–2 tbsp |
| Lemon zest (optional) | ½ tsp |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil), sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
If using frozen blueberries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine).
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil halfway through baking.
5. Cool & Glaze
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
6. Serve & Store
Slice and enjoy with your favorite coffee, tea, or milk.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Loaf
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest deliver the brightest flavor.
- Avoid Blueberry Streaks: Toss the berries in flour before adding to the batter.
- Add Crunch: For a crumbly topping, combine ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp cold butter.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
