Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes
I absolutely adore making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze whenever I crave something delicious yet simple. The burst of juicy blueberries combined with the zesty lemon creates a flavor profile that’s refreshing and heartwarming. Plus, the glaze adds a sweet finish that makes this loaf truly irresistible. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, and it never fails to impress, making it a favorite in our home!
When I first tried this Blueberry Lemon Loaf, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it was. I decided to tweak a few ingredients to enhance its freshness, and it turned out stunning! Using fresh lemons instead of bottled juice made a noticeable difference in flavor, and the vibrant blueberries add just the right amount of sweetness.
Another tip I discovered is to let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze. This way, it doesn’t run off the sides; instead, it forms a perfect, glossy finish. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and tart that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright citrus notes from fresh lemons.
- Juicy blueberries that burst with flavor.
- A delicious glaze that takes it over the top.
The Role of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh blueberries and lemons is crucial for achieving the best flavor in this Blueberry Lemon Loaf. Fresh blueberries burst when baked, releasing their sweet-tart juice, which infuses the entire loaf with a vibrant color and flavor. Frozen blueberries can be used as a convenience; just ensure you don’t thaw them beforehand, as this can result in a soggy batter.
Lemon juice and zest not only provide that irresistible citrus tang, but they also activate the baking soda, creating a lighter loaf. When measuring lemon juice, use a juicer for maximum yield and make sure to zest the lemons before juicing, as it’s easier to get the zest off the skin when it’s intact.
Perfecting the Baking Process
To achieve a perfectly baked loaf, keep an eye on the time and check for doneness toward the end of the baking duration. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If you find the top browning too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil—this helps it bake evenly without burning the top.
Allowing the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes is essential. This cooling period helps it firm up, making it easier to transfer to the wire rack without crumbling. If you rush this step, you might end up with a loaf that falls apart.
Glaze Application Tips
For the glaze to set perfectly, ensure your loaf is completely cooled before drizzling it on top, as a warm loaf will cause the glaze to slide off rather than stick. Drizzling works best with a spoon or a squeeze bottle; this gives you control over the thickness and placement of the glaze.
If you desire a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to adjust the glaze by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the powdered sugar incrementally until you reach the desired taste and consistency.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Loaf!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to bake!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect Blueberry Lemon Loaf!
Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
Glaze the Loaf
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze!
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest to the batter or using a mix of half blueberries and half raspberries.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, consider refrigerating it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to revive its moist texture.
If you're looking to make this loaf ahead of time, it's freezer-friendly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and top with glaze just before serving.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
For a delightful twist, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter, which will complement the citrus notes beautifully. You can also experiment by incorporating nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
This loaf is fantastic on its own but can also be served with whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt for a more indulgent treat. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing afternoon snack or serve it as a unique dessert at gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing, as thawed blueberries may bleed into the batter.
→ How should I store the leftover loaf?
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it might make the loaf denser. You could also use a blend of both for better texture.
→ How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
To make this loaf gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
I absolutely adore making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze whenever I crave something delicious yet simple. The burst of juicy blueberries combined with the zesty lemon creates a flavor profile that’s refreshing and heartwarming. Plus, the glaze adds a sweet finish that makes this loaf truly irresistible. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, and it never fails to impress, making it a favorite in our home!
Created by: Florence Keaton
Recipe Type: Creative Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest to the batter or using a mix of half blueberries and half raspberries.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g