Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen
I absolutely love the combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon, especially when they're baked into a loaf. Making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze brings together the juicy flavors of fresh blueberries and the refreshing tartness of lemon, creating a delightful treat. The glaze adds a finishing touch, enhancing the sweetness while balancing the citrus notes. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, this loaf is sure to brighten your day and impress your friends and family with its vibrant taste and beautiful appearance.
When I first tried making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious the result was. I ensured to use fresh blueberries for that burst of flavor, and the lemon zest really elevates the palate. I learned that lightly tossing the blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom, which is a game-changer for the presentation.
After experimenting with different glazes, I found that a simple combination of powdered sugar and lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also makes the loaf visually appealing. This blend provides a lovely shine that makes it irresistible. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an absolute favorite in my kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright, zesty flavor that awakens the taste buds
- Moist and tender crumb thanks to fresh ingredients
- Gorgeous presentation with a drizzled glaze
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh blueberries is crucial for achieving that juicy burst of flavor in every bite of your Blueberry Lemon Loaf. Look for plump, firm berries with a rich color, as these indicate ripeness. If fresh blueberries aren't available, you can use frozen ones, but do not thaw them before folding into the batter. This prevents them from bleeding into the loaf and ensures a lovely marble effect during baking.
Lemon zest adds an essential brightness to the loaf. I recommend using a microplane to finely grate the outer yellow peel of the lemon, as it captures the most aromatic oils. This zest will enhance the overall citrus flavor, making the loaf taste fresh and light. When adding lemon juice, use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor; the bottled versions often lack the zest and brightness of fresh.
Perfecting Your Baking Technique
To achieve a moist and tender crumb, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser loaf rather than the desired light texture. It's perfectly fine if there are a few small streaks of flour left in the batter when you fold in the blueberries.
When baking, always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid over-baking the loaf. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top of the loaf should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. If it is browning too quickly, you can tent it with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for the best results:
For the Loaf
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Make sure everything is fresh for a delicious outcome!
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a 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 Zest
Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the Glaze
While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create the glaze.
Glaze the Loaf
Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract to the batter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the loaf fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any time of day. For an indulgent treat, serve slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. You could also enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack experience. If you're feeling adventurous, consider toasting the slices for added texture and warmth.
To elevate your presentation, you can decorate the glazed loaf with additional fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest after glazing. This not only adds a pop of color but also gives a hint about the flavors inside. It's a lovely way to impress your guests while enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store your Blueberry Lemon Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly humid environment, you might want to refrigerate it to prevent mold, but note that refrigeration can dry out the loaf. If you need to store it longer, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to slice it before freezing for easy access.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen loaf, let it thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds if you're craving a quicker fix. Just be careful not to overheat; you want it warm, not hot, to savor the flavors of the blueberries and lemon glaze fully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead?
Yes, but it's best to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
→ How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum.
→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would pair well with the blueberries.
→ How should I store the loaf?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
I absolutely love the combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon, especially when they're baked into a loaf. Making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze brings together the juicy flavors of fresh blueberries and the refreshing tartness of lemon, creating a delightful treat. The glaze adds a finishing touch, enhancing the sweetness while balancing the citrus notes. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, this loaf is sure to brighten your day and impress your friends and family with its vibrant taste and beautiful appearance.
What You'll Need
For the Loaf
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup milk
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 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, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create the glaze.
Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract to the batter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the loaf fresh.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g