Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade loaf, especially one that brings the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and the sweet burst of blueberries together. This Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Lemon Glaze is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. The rich, buttery loaf filled with plump blueberries and a tangy glaze will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your loved ones coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside. This will help your loaf rise beautifully.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for ensuring that your loaf has a lovely, light texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You want to incorporate as much air as possible for that tender crumb!
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
- Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your loaf tender.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to break them. Their juicy sweetness is the highlight of this loaf!
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with sweet and tangy scents!
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. It should have a nice drizzling consistency.
- Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top before slicing and serving. Just wait for the delightful glaze to catch the light!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to substitute the blueberries with other berries like raspberries or strawberries depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For an extra pop of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the glaze for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice just won’t compare!
Cooking Techniques
When baking, the order in which ingredients are combined plays a vital role in the final texture and flavor. Creaming butter and sugar creates tiny air pockets, which help your loaf rise. Also, folding in delicate ingredients like blueberries gently ensures they stay intact, leading to a beautiful presentation.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them; add them directly to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the loaf.
- How should I store the loaf? Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
Your kitchen is about to be brightened up with this Lemon Blueberry Loaf! Moist and bursting with flavor, each slice is like a little piece of sunshine. Whether it’s accompanying your morning coffee or serving as a delightful afternoon snack, this loaf will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!