Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Zesty Glaze

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Zesty Glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, bursting with juicy blueberries and a refreshing lemon glaze. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or for dessert, this loaf is sure to brighten your day with its vibrant flavors and moist texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon blueberry loaf is the ultimate treat for citrus and berry lovers. The light, fluffy texture of the loaf paired with the juicy blueberries and zesty lemon glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors. The tangy lemon glaze adds a delightful finishing touch to the loaf, making it irresistible. It’s easy to make, and the result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any time of the day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and smooth.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan, then drizzle with the lemon glaze (made by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice) before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Bread: Make a muffin version by scooping the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free.
• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a fun twist on this classic combo.
• Other Berries: Feel free to swap the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This loaf freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent the color from bleeding into the loaf.

2. Can I make this loaf without sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and tang.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemon glaze ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and drizzle over the loaf once it’s cooled.

4. How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

The loaf is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

5. Can I add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor?

Yes, you can add more lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the loaf a little bitter.

6. Can I make this loaf in a different pan size?

If you use a different pan size, make sure to adjust the baking time. A smaller or larger pan may require more or less time to cook the loaf through.

7. How can I make the loaf sweeter?

If you like your loaf sweeter, you can add more sugar to the batter or increase the amount of glaze you drizzle on top.

8. How do I make the loaf extra moist?

To make the loaf extra moist, ensure you don’t overmix the batter and consider adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt.

9. Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, you can add a streusel topping before baking by mixing butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle it on top of the batter and bake as directed.

10. How should I slice the loaf?

For clean slices, use a serrated knife to cut through the loaf once it has cooled completely.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Zesty Glaze is a refreshing and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh blueberries and bright, tangy lemon gives the loaf a beautiful balance of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of tea, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

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