Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, moist, and tangy treat, you’ve got to try this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe. It’s that perfect balance between sweet and bright citrus flavor with bursts of fresh blueberries in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or just craving something homemade and special, this loaf cake never disappoints. Stick around—I’ll share all my tips to ensure your Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake turns out absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!
Why This Recipe Works
- Bright, Balanced Flavor: The lemon zest and juice perfectly complement the sweetness of the blueberries for a fresh-tasting cake.
- Moist Texture: Greek yogurt and butter keep the loaf tender without getting dense or heavy.
- Easy Prep: Mixing with an electric mixer and folding blueberries gently means no overworking the batter—no tough cake here.
- Delicious Glaze Finish: The simple lemon glaze adds a shiny, tangy touch that’s the perfect finishing layer of flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together for that homemade magic. When choosing your blueberries, fresh and plump is best to get juicy pops of flavor. And don’t skip the lemon zest—it’s a game changer for aroma and bright notes.
- Flour: Provides structure; use all-purpose for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder: Gives the loaf its rise and lightness.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture; I like to use unsalted so I can control salt levels.
- Eggs: Bind everything, add richness and lift.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps tenderize the crumb.
- Greek yogurt: Slight tang and moisture; makes the loaf wonderfully soft.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, smooth undertones.
- Lemon juice: Fresh and zesty, brightens the whole cake.
- Lemon zest: Concentrated lemon oils for intense flavor.
- Milk: Balances batter moisture and helps with texture.
- Blueberries: Fresh berries burst with sweetness and color.
- Icing sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake recipe is how flexible it is. I often like to play around with different add-ins or swap dairy depending on what I have on hand—feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry twist—I’ve done this and loved the tart-sweet combo with lemon.
- Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut yogurt and plant-based milk instead of Greek yogurt and cow’s milk; it works surprisingly well.
- Extra Zest: Add a bit more lemon zest if you’re a citrus fanatic like me—it really wakes up the flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for texture—you’ll thank me later!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 370°F (that’s about 188°C for my metric friends). While it heats, grease a loaf pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This simple step saves you scrambling to get the loaf out without crumbs breaking off. I personally go with parchment because it’s foolproof.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Making sure these are well combined before adding wet ingredients helps your cake bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is smooth and creamy. This step smells amazing—like a fresh lemon bakery—and is where the magic starts. I find mixing this well ensures my loaf never feels dense.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet
Now, add half of your flour mixture followed by half of the milk, mixing gently after each addition. Then add the remaining flour and milk the same way, mixing just enough to blend. Overmixing at this stage can make your loaf tough, so take it slow—you’ll see the batter come together beautifully.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold your blueberries into the batter with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is a key step to avoid squishing the berries and turning the batter purple. I love how these bursts of berry pockets make every slice exciting.
Step 6: Bake, Cool & Glaze
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 48 to 53 minutes. Start checking around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once done, move the loaf to a wire rack to cool.
While still slightly warm, whisk together melted butter, icing sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla to make the glaze. Pour this over the loaf—trust me, it adds a shiny glaze that seals in moisture and flavors perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keep your mixing gentle especially after adding flour to avoid a dense or rubbery loaf.
- Fresh Lemons Make a Difference: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: They combine more easily, giving a smooth, even batter.
- Watch Your Baking Time Closely: Oven temperatures vary—start testing with a toothpick at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I love a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh blueberries on top when serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprig of mint or a thin lemon slice on the side for that pretty, inviting touch. These little garnishes make it feel special even for a casual family snack time.
Side Dishes
This loaf cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee—perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. If I’m serving brunch, I like to add some fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait alongside for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, I’ve served slices with a drizzle of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest and crushed pistachios for a fun texture. You can also slice thin and toast lightly before serving with a smear of honey butter—such a treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh and moist for about 2–3 days, which is perfect because it rarely lasts longer in my house!
Freezing
This loaf cake freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then individually wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw a slice at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a quick snack.
Reheating
I find reheating a slice for about 15 seconds in the microwave brings the flavors and soft texture right back to life. You could also warm it in a toaster oven at low heat—just keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work fine, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter. Otherwise, they may release too much moisture and make the loaf soggy.
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What’s the best way to prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the berries lightly in flour before folding them in helps them stay suspended in the batter and not sink. I always do this little step and it makes a big difference!
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Can I make this loaf cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just keep in mind texture might vary slightly.
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How long will this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays moist and fresh for about 2 to 3 days. After that, freezing is your best bet.
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Can I double the recipe for a larger cake or muffins?
Absolutely! For muffins, reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes and keep an eye on them. If doubling the loaf, bake longer and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake when I want something that feels homemade yet special. The bright lemon, juicy blueberries, and tender crumb make every bite a little moment of joy. Once you try it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to it—and I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it just as much as I do. So go ahead, try it out and make it your new go-to loaf cake!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake combining fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect as a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 370°F. 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 this mixture aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend the butter, eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add half of the flour mixture and then half of the milk to the wet mixture, mixing between additions. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk until just combined.
- Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries by hand to evenly distribute without breaking them.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 53 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, icing sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. For a thicker glaze, add an extra teaspoon of icing sugar.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is cooled but still warm to the touch, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: The cake is best served warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may alter the batter consistency.
- Ensure not to overmix after adding the flour to keep the loaf tender.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with plain yogurt or sour cream for a similar moist texture.
- If you prefer a more lemony flavor, add extra lemon zest or juice to the glaze.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 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
