Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Highlighted under: Oven Ideas
I absolutely love making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze! The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful balance that brightens my day. Every time I bake this loaf, my kitchen fills with a fresh, citrusy aroma that’s impossible to resist. I often make it as a special treat for brunch or a coffee break. The glaze adds an extra burst of flavor and transforms the loaf into a true showstopper. If you’re looking for a delicious way to welcome spring, this is it!
Creating this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze was a real labor of love. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; I was amazed at how well the flavors blended together. The burst of juicy blueberries accented by the bright citrus notes of lemon is something truly special. While mixing the ingredients, I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. It really elevates the loaf and gives it that homemade touch.
One tip I learned along the way is to gently fold in the blueberries to prevent them from breaking and turning the batter blue. This keeps your loaf beautifully swirled and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve baked this recipe countless times, and it always brings smiles to my family and friends!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy flavor combination that is refreshing
- Moist texture that stays fresh for days
- Eye-catching glaze adds a perfect finish
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect texture for your Blueberry Lemon Loaf, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps with emulsification, ensuring a uniform batter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Be cautious not to overmix once you incorporate the flour; stop as soon as no dry flour remains visible.
When adding blueberries, it's crucial to fold them gently into the batter. Over-mixing can cause them to burst, bleeding into the loaf and affecting the color. If you'd like to ensure they stay suspended throughout the loaf rather than settling, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This can help prevent them from sinking.
Ingredient Insights
Lemon zest is a vital component of this loaf, injecting vibrant citrus flavor without excess acidity. For the best results, use a microplane to finely grate the outer peel of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. This will enhance the aroma and taste of your loaf, making the lemon presence felt without overwhelming it.
For substitutions, if you can't find fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones as a backup. Just make sure to wash and dry them properly. You won’t need to thaw them beforehand, but be aware that they may release more moisture into the loaf, so consider reducing the milk by a tablespoon to maintain the right consistency.
Serving and Storage
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful addition to any brunch spread. For added flair, consider serving slices with a spread of cream cheese or whipped butter. A sprinkle of additional lemon zest on top of the glaze can also elevate its presentation and flavor profile.
To store the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Steps
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 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, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Milk
Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze
While the loaf cools, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
Glaze the Loaf
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some lemon zest on top of the glaze before it sets. It adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your loaf doesn't rise as expected, it may be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the expiration dates on these leavening agents before use. Additionally, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly; an oven thermometer can help verify that it maintains the right temperature at 350°F (175°C).
For loaves that are too dense, it may be a result of overmixing the batter. Remember to mix only until incorporated and watch for any signs of gluten formation, which can create a dense, chewy texture instead of the desired fluffy loaf.
Celebration Variations
For a festive twist, consider adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. This can transform your loaf into a special treat for occasions like baby showers or brunch parties.
You might also experiment with different fruits alongside or in place of blueberries. Raspberries or chopped strawberries complement the lemon beautifully. Alternatively, a mix of berries can create a colorful and vibrant loaf, perfect for spring gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well too. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer and mix gently.
→ How should I store the leftover loaf?
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf keeps well and can be made a day in advance. Just glaze it right before serving.
→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
I absolutely love making this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with Glaze! The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful balance that brightens my day. Every time I bake this loaf, my kitchen fills with a fresh, citrusy aroma that’s impossible to resist. I often make it as a special treat for brunch or a coffee break. The glaze adds an extra burst of flavor and transforms the loaf into a true showstopper. If you’re looking for a delicious way to welcome spring, this is it!
Created by: Frederica Houghton
Recipe Type: Oven Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the loaf cools, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some lemon zest on top of the glaze before it sets. It adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g