Easy Blueberry and Lemon Loaf Recipe: A Slice of Summertime Bliss

Looking for the perfect treat to brighten your day? This easy Blueberry and lemon loaf recipe is just the thing! Combining the sweet juiciness of blueberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons, this homemade Blueberry and lemon loaf from scratch will leave your kitchen smelling delightful and your taste buds dancing. Not only is this loaf a delicious addition to any brunch or afternoon tea, but it also makes for a lovely handmade gift. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this loaf is wholesome enough for breakfast yet sweet enough for dessert.

Originating from the classic loaf cake tradition, this recipe embraces seasonal berries and citrus to create a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it can easily be adapted to cater to any dietary needs, including a vegan Blueberry and lemon loaf option! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our detailed guide will have you creating a loaf that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan: 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water)
½ cup plain yogurt (vanilla almond yogurt for a dairy-free version)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (can substitute with frozen blueberries)

Equipment List

1 mixing bowl
1 whisk
1 rubber spatula
1 loaf pan (9×5 inches)
1 measuring cup and spoons
1 citrus juicer
1 zester
1 cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale in color and has a slightly airy texture.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. If you are opting for a vegan version, mix the flaxseed meal and water first and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a flax egg before adding it to the mixture.
Incorporate yogurt and lemon: Stir in the yogurt, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. The oven should be heated by now, and the fragrant mixture of lemon and butter will start to transport you to sunny afternoons.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. The key is to avoid overmixing to keep your loaf tender.
Fold in the blueberries: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries using a rubber spatula. You may want to toss the blueberries lightly in flour beforehand to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Pour into loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. This step adds a beautiful surface and ensures even baking. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top.
Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the loaf will spring back gently when touched.
Cool down: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Your home will be filled with an incredible aroma!

Special Notes

To store leftovers, place the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.

If you find that your mixture seems too thick, you can adjust by adding a splash of milk (or almond milk) to reach a desired batter consistency. If you are concerned about overbaking, keep a close eye on your loaf towards the end of the baking time; using a toothpick to check for doneness is the best way to ensure your loaf remains moist.

Variations and Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ideas:

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free Blueberry and lemon loaf without compromising flavor or texture.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and yogurt, and replace eggs with flax eggs as mentioned earlier. Your loaf will still be aromatic and delectable!
Add-ins: Consider incorporating ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled loaf for a sweet finishing touch!

Nutritional Information

While nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a rough estimate for one slice of Blueberry and lemon loaf (out of eight slices) is:

Calories: 220
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

Your Blueberry and lemon loaf should emerge from the oven with a golden brown crust and a tender, fluffy interior dotted with vibrant blue berries. The aroma should be bright and citrusy, infusing the air with a delightful warmth. As you slice into the loaf, the soft, moist texture should yield easily to the knife, and you may notice a slight sheen from the lemon juice that makes every slice glisten. Consider capturing the moments of mixing, baking, and slicing, as well as a picturesque presentation on a wooden board adorned with fresh blueberries and lemon slices that would make for stunning images.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered this easy Blueberry and lemon loaf recipe, it’s time to bring a touch of summer into your kitchen any time of the year! The balance of sweetness and tartness paired with the comforting texture makes for an enjoyable treat that everyone will love. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, and make sure to share your delicious creations on Instagram using the hashtag MyDeliciousDish. Happy baking!