This **Lemon Blueberry Loaf** recipe is a delightful treat that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet juiciness of blueberries, all wrapped up in a moist, tender loaf. Here’s a quick recap of why this recipe is a winner and how to make it:
### **Why You’ll Love This Loaf**
– **Perfectly Moist & Soft**: Thanks to yogurt or sour cream, the crumb stays tender.
– **Bursting with Blueberries**: Every bite is packed with juicy, sweet blueberries.
– **Bright Lemon Flavor**: Fresh lemon zest and a tangy glaze elevate the citrusy goodness.
– **Versatile & Easy**: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: Make ahead and store for later enjoyment.
### **Ingredients**
#### For the Loaf:
– **1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour**: The base, with extra flour to coat blueberries.
– **2 tsp baking powder**: Helps the loaf rise.
– **3 large eggs**: Adds structure and moisture.
– **1 cup granulated sugar**: Balances the tartness of lemon.
– **1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream**: Keeps the loaf moist.
– **½ tsp salt**: Enhances flavors.
– **½ tsp vanilla extract**: Adds depth.
– **½ cup vegetable oil**: Ensures a soft texture.
– **2 tsp lemon zest**: For bright citrus flavor.
– **1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries**: The star ingredient!
#### For the Lemon Glaze:
– **2–3 tbsp lemon juice**: Adds tangy flavor.
– **1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar**: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Oven & Pan**:
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**:
– Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. **Prepare Wet Ingredients**:
– Whisk eggs, sugar, yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla, oil, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
4. **Combine Mixtures**:
– Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
5. **Fold in Blueberries**:
– Toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking, then fold into the batter.
6. **Bake the Loaf**:
– Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
– Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
7. **Prepare the Glaze**:
– Dissolve confectioner’s sugar in lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 3 minutes.
8. **Glaze the Loaf**:
– Poke holes in the loaf with a toothpick and brush the warm glaze over the top and sides.
– Let the glaze harden for 15 minutes before slicing.
### **Pro Tips**
– Use **fresh lemon zest and juice** for the best flavor.
– **Coat blueberries in flour** to prevent sinking.
– **Avoid overmixing** the batter to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
– Adjust the glaze’s sweetness by reducing sugar for a more tart flavor.
– **Freeze for up to 3 months** for later enjoyment.
### **Serving Suggestions**
– **Morning Coffee or Tea**: A refreshing start to your day.
– **Brunch**: Pair with fruit, yogurt, or eggs.
– **Dessert**: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– **Afternoon Snack**: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk.
### **Variations for Lemon Blueberry Loaf**
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations:
1. **Lemon Blueberry Muffins**:
– Use the same batter but divide it into a muffin tin lined with paper liners.
– Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. **Gluten-Free Version**:
– Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
– Ensure all other ingredients (like baking powder) are gluten-free.
3. **Dairy-Free Version**:
– Substitute yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond-based sour cream.
– Use a plant-based milk if needed for consistency.
4. **Vegan Version**:
– Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
– Use dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based oil.
5. **Add Nuts or Seeds**:
– Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans) or seeds (like chia or poppy seeds) for added crunch.
6. **Mixed Berry Loaf**:
– Swap blueberries for a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
– Adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter berries.
7. **Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf**:
– Replace blueberries with 2–3 tbsp of poppy seeds for a classic lemon poppy seed flavor.
8. **Orange Blueberry Loaf**:
– Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a sweeter citrus twist.
9. **Coconut Lemon Blueberry Loaf**:
– Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
– Top the glaze with toasted coconut flakes.
### **How to Store Lemon Blueberry Loaf**
Proper storage ensures your loaf stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it:
#### **At Room Temperature**:
– **Unfrosted Loaf**: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to **2–3 days**.
– **Glazed Loaf**: If the loaf is glazed, store it in an airtight container to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky. It will stay fresh for **1–2 days**.
#### **In the Refrigerator**:
– For longer storage, place the loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to **5–7 days** in the fridge.
– Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
#### **Freezing**:
– **Unfrosted Loaf**: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to **3 months**.
– **Glazed Loaf**: Freeze the loaf without the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing for the best texture.
– **Thawing**: Thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
#### **Reheating**:
– To refresh the loaf, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
### **Tips for Storing**:
– **Avoid Moisture**: Keep the loaf away from humid environments to prevent sogginess.
– **Slice as Needed**: If you plan to eat the loaf over several days, slice only what you need to keep the rest fresh.
– **Double Wrap for Freezing**: Ensure the loaf is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
This **Lemon Blueberry Loaf** is a must-try for its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!