The Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delightful and refreshing treat that perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the sweet, juicy bursts of blueberries. This loaf cake is ideal for those who enjoy a tangy yet sweet dessert, and it’s versatile enough to serve at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a light dessert. With its moist crumb and vibrant flavors, the Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a favorite among home bakers and dessert lovers.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Lemon and blueberries are a classic combination, celebrated for their complementary flavors. The acidity of the lemon enhances the sweetness of the blueberries, making this loaf a harmonious blend of tastes. The addition of a lemon glaze adds an extra layer of zesty sweetness, creating a beautiful finish that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Preparing the Loaf:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the combined lemon juice and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Lemon Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
Conclusion
The Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a sweet snack, or want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, this loaf is sure to please. Its moist texture, bursting with the fresh flavors of lemon and blueberries, makes it a universally loved dessert. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a zesty, fruity baked good, give this Lemon Blueberry Loaf a try – it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.