Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Highlighted under: Oven Planning
I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze! The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates an unforgettable flavor that brightens up any day. This loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it also fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether I’m enjoying it for breakfast or serving it as a dessert, this loaf always delights my family and friends. Plus, the drizzle of glaze on top adds a touch of sweetness that takes it to the next level!
When developing this recipe, I wanted something that felt bright and refreshing. I experimented with various combinations before hitting the sweet spot with lemon and blueberries. The key is using fresh blueberries, as they burst with flavor when baked, creating a lovely contrast with the tangy lemon zest.
After several trials, I perfected the glaze, which adds a glossy finish that enhances the loaf's overall appeal. Drizzling it right before serving gives that perfect pop of sweetness, ensuring every slice is delectable. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor pairs perfectly with fresh blueberries
- Moist texture that stays delicious for days
- Drizzled glaze adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness
Mastering the Batter
Achieving the right batter consistency is key for a perfectly moist Blueberry Lemon Loaf. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this incorporates air and helps the loaf rise beautifully. If the batter looks too thick when mixing in the dry ingredients, add a little more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve a smooth yet thick consistency. Under-mixing is better than over-mixing; stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour to maintain that delightful, tender crumb.
Fresh blueberries are a must for this recipe, as their natural sweetness and juicy burst elevate the loaf's flavor. Choosing berries that are plump and firm will ensure a better distribution within the batter. If you only have frozen blueberries, that works too—just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking. For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a nutty undertone.
The Perfect Bake
Baking time is crucial to achieve the perfect loaf without drying it out. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top of the loaf is browning too quickly before reaching the correct baking time, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook.
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step prevents soggy bottoms and allows it to firm up slightly. The aroma wafting through your kitchen while it cools will be hard to resist but be patient—slicing too soon can result in a crumble instead of neat slices.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze:
Ingredients for the Loaf
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Ingredients for the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your Blueberry Lemon Loaf:
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just combined.
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to over-mix.
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make the Glaze
While the loaf cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Glaze the Loaf
Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the loaf and let it set before slicing.
Enjoy your delightful Blueberry Lemon Loaf!
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a little extra lemon zest to the glaze.
Storage Tips
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re looking to extend its shelf life, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and maintains the loaf's lovely texture. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
If you notice the loaf starts to dry out, a simple trick is to create a glaze with a splash of lemon juice and a bit of water instead of just powdered sugar. It adds extra moisture and enhances the lemon flavor. Simply reheat the loaf softly in the microwave, drizzle it with this moistening glaze, and enjoy a rejuvenated treat!
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a layered brunch experience, consider spreading a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone on each slice, accentuating the tart yet sweet flavor profile of the loaf. Fresh mint leaves as a garnish can also add a refreshing touch.
For a little extra zing, you might consider adding a hint of lemon zest into the whipped cream or cream cheese spread. This would tie in nicely with the zesty elements of the loaf itself, creating a cohesive flavor throughout your meal. Alternatively, it’s fantastic alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a versatile treat for various occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them before adding; they may bleed into the batter.
→ How should I store the loaf?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar added to mimic buttermilk.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
I absolutely love baking this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze! The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates an unforgettable flavor that brightens up any day. This loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it also fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether I’m enjoying it for breakfast or serving it as a dessert, this loaf always delights my family and friends. Plus, the drizzle of glaze on top adds a touch of sweetness that takes it to the next level!
Created by: Questa Beaumont
Recipe Type: Oven Planning
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients for the Loaf
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Ingredients for the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until just combined.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to over-mix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
While the loaf cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the loaf and let it set before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a little extra lemon zest to the glaze.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g