Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a bright and bursting treat to brighten up your snack or breakfast table, I’ve got just the thing for you—my Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like sunshine on a plate, with juicy blueberries and zingy lemon perfectly folded into a tender, buttery cake. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last crumb’s gone. So stick around, because I’m sharing everything you need to nail this loaf perfectly every single time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance: The tart lemon zest and juice cut through the sweetness, keeping the cake fresh and vibrant.
- Moist & Tender: Greek yogurt adds moisture without heaviness and gives a slight tang that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Burst of Blueberries: Fresh blueberries fold gently in for juicy pops that make every bite exciting.
- Simple Glaze Finish: A silky lemon glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and gloss to elevate the loaf’s charm.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe is carefully chosen to work in harmony. The dry ingredients give structure, the wet ingredients add moistness and flavor, and the blueberries and lemon are the star performers that lift the entire loaf into a truly special treat.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure to hold this loaf together without being dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors—never skip it!
- Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully and stay light.
- Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb; I like to use unsalted for control over saltiness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its lift.
- Sugar: Gives sweetness but not too much; balances the tart lemons.
- Greek yogurt: My secret weapon for moistness and a subtle tang that’s irresistible.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus and berry flavors with warm undertones.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the batter with real lemony zing.
- Lemon zest: Delivers a concentrated lemon aroma that awakens your senses.
- Milk: Lightens the batter for a soft texture.
- Blueberries: Use fresh for bursts of juicy sweetness; frozen tends to get mushy in this recipe.
- Butter for glaze: Adds shine and extra moisture to the topping.
- Icing sugar: Sweetens the glaze with a smooth finish.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe depending on the season or the mood in the kitchen. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out blueberries for raspberries or blackberries, which gives a lovely tart twist—especially good with extra lemon zest.
- Dairy-Free: If you want to make it dairy-free, coconut yogurt and vegan butter work surprisingly well, though the flavor changes a bit.
- Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free flour blend here can work too; just double-check to keep the balance of moisture for a nice texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 370°F (that’s 188°C for you metric folks), and grease your loaf pan well with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and baking powder so that everything’s evenly combined—this makes sure your loaf rises up and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Using your electric mixer, blend together the butter, eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and zest. This step fills the kitchen with such a fresh, lemony aroma—it always gets me excited! Mix until smooth and creamy; it’ll look luscious and slightly fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Alternately
Now, add half of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, then pour in half the milk. Beat gently to combine, then repeat with the remaining flour and milk. This alternating technique ensures you don’t overmix the batter—trust me, overmixing kills the tenderness and makes the cake tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Blueberries
Time for the star of the show! Gently fold in your fresh blueberries by hand. I like to be gentle so the berries don’t burst and turn your batter purple—unless you’re cool with that marbled effect, of course! This keeps those juicy pockets bursting inside the loaf when you bite in.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 48 to 53 minutes, depending on your oven. You want to check by inserting a toothpick or knife in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. Let the loaf cool on a wire rack—it’ll firm up and hold its shape beautifully.
Step 6: Glaze it Up
While the loaf cools, whisk together melted butter, icing sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the glaze. If it’s too runny, just toss in another teaspoon of icing sugar—it’s all about that perfect pourable consistency. Pour generously over the warm, but not hot, loaf so it seeps in just a little and creates a shiny, sweet-tart finish.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Fresh Blueberries Only: Using fresh berries keeps the texture perfect; frozen can water down the batter and get mushy.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir in the flour and milk just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Parchment Paper Is Your Friend: I line my pan every time to ensure easy removal and no stuck edges.
- Glaze While Warm: Wait until the loaf is cool but still warm to add glaze for the best absorption without melting it away entirely.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices with a little extra lemon zest or a handful of fresh blueberries for color and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make it look irresistible if you’re serving company.
Side Dishes
This loaf is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot tea or coffee for a lazy afternoon. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an easy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, I sometimes slice the loaf into mini rounds and skewer them with fresh berries and mint leaves for a pretty, portable treat. Or even stack slices with lemon curd and whipped cream between layers to make a quick “layer cake” for brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I personally wrap the leftover loaf tightly in plastic wrap and keep it on the countertop for 2-3 days. It stays wonderfully moist and fresh, but if your kitchen’s warm, the fridge is better—even then, bring it to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe freezes like a charm! I slice the loaf first, then lay the slices flat on parchment-lined trays in the freezer. Once frozen, I stack them with parchment paper between and store in freezer bags. Perfect for quick treats anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm gently in a toaster oven. It revives that fresh-baked feel and the glaze gets a lovely soft shine again, making it just as enjoyable as day one.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
You can, but I recommend thawing and draining them well to minimize extra moisture in the batter. Keep in mind frozen berries tend to bleed their color, which can affect the cake’s appearance and texture. Fresh blueberries give the best result for this loaf.
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What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or sour cream if you have either on hand. Both will maintain moisture and tanginess but Greek yogurt’s thicker texture helps keep the batter just right and adds richness.
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How do I know when the Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center after 48 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is perfectly baked.
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Can I make this loaf in muffins or cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes and keep an eye on them. It’s a great way to enjoy individual portions and makes for a lovely gift or party treat.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so simple yet absolutely packed with fresh, summery flavor. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want a reliable, easy bake that always impresses and never disappoints. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon with tea, or a casual get-together, this loaf fits right in. I hope you love baking it as much as I love sharing it with you. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 53 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake is a moist and flavorful treat, combining fresh blueberries and zesty lemon in a tender, buttery loaf. It’s topped with a tangy lemon glaze that adds a sweet finish, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Loaf Cake
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup blueberries
Glaze
- 1.5 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 370°F, and either grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend the butter, eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined and creamy.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add half of the flour mixture and half of the milk into the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk, combining fully without overmixing.
- Add Blueberries: Fold in the blueberries gently by hand to avoid crushing them and distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 53 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, icing sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add an additional teaspoon of icing sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the loaf has cooled but is still slightly warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top to allow it to set slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: The loaf is best served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Slice and enjoy your blueberry lemon loaf cake!
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best flavor; frozen blueberries can be substituted but may add extra moisture.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by varying the amount of icing sugar.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use lactose-free yogurt.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg