Blueberry Lemon Loaf

Delicious & Easy Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Your New Favorite Quick Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, and this **Blueberry Lemon Loaf** is a true masterpiece of comfort and flavor. Imagine the perfect harmony of sweet, juicy blueberries and bright, zesty lemon, all baked into an incredibly moist and tender quick bread. This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a delightful breakfast companion, a charming afternoon snack, or an elegant dessert, this lemon blueberry loaf consistently delivers pure bliss with every bite.

For years, this particular recipe has been a treasured staple, especially during the vibrant summer months when blueberries are at their peak. Its ease of preparation combined with its irresistible taste makes it a go-to for home bakers. If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying quick bread that will impress family and friends, you’ve just found your next baking adventure. Get ready to discover why this **easy blueberry lemon loaf recipe** stands out from the rest!

Overhead photo of blueberry lemon loaf on a round wire rack with a bowl of blueberries and a cup of coffee

Embrace the Sweetness of Summer with This Irresistible Loaf

Oh, summer blueberries, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways! As June breezes by, bringing with it longer days and warmer sunshine, the bounty of fresh summer produce truly shines. And for many of us, that means an abundance of luscious blueberries. From vibrant farmers’ markets to sun-drenched berry patches, these little spheres of sweetness are everywhere, beckoning us to enjoy their seasonal splendor.

Here at the beach, it’s a delightful blueberry festival! We’re incorporating them into everything imaginable – from a simple sprinkle over morning yogurt and cereal to starring roles in various baked creations. While blueberries are fantastic on their own, there’s something magical about pairing them with the tangy brightness of lemon in a baked good. It’s a classic combination that never fails to delight the palate, and this **homemade blueberry loaf** truly captures that essence.

Blueberry lemon loaf on a round wire rack with a knife on the left side of the rack

Why This is The Best Blueberry Lemon Loaf Recipe You’ll Ever Make

This delightful Blueberry Lemon Loaf isn’t just another recipe; it’s a time-tested favorite that has garnered rave reviews for its exceptional flavor and perfect texture. Originally shared years ago, it has earned its spot as a beloved classic, and for good reason. Its remarkable moistness, achieved through a thoughtful combination of ingredients, ensures every slice is tender and delightful. The generous infusion of fresh, juicy blueberries creates bursts of fruity sweetness throughout, perfectly complemented by the vibrant zing of lemon zest.

The versatility of this **quick bread recipe** is another key factor in its popularity. It’s equally at home gracing your breakfast table alongside a hot cup of coffee as it is serving as a sophisticated dessert, perhaps topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few extra berries. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to summer after summer, year after year. In fact, many bakers, myself included, often whip up more than one loaf at a time – one to savor and another to share with a cherished neighbor or friend. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful, delicious food gift?

Overhead photo of ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Loaf in bowls of different sizes on a tan background

Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Loaf

Crafting the perfect Blueberry Lemon Loaf starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that wonderfully moist texture and balanced flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest
  • Blueberries

Ingredient Spotlight: The Secrets to Success

While this loaf is a true celebration of fresh blueberries in season, its charm doesn’t have to be limited to just a few months of the year. You can absolutely enjoy this recipe year-round by simply substituting frozen blueberries. Just remember to toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf and ensures even distribution.

The magic of this **moist lemon blueberry bread** lies in its carefully chosen proportions. It’s generously loaded with over a cup and a quarter of fresh or frozen blueberries, ensuring every slice is dotted with fruit. The two tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest are crucial, providing an invigorating zing that perfectly complements the sweetness of the berries. But perhaps the most important ingredient for moisture is the full cup of sour cream. This creamy addition works wonders, making the cake incredibly tender, rich, and wonderfully moist, guaranteeing a loaf that stays delicious for days.

Beyond its incredible taste, this loaf is remarkably versatile. Serve it for a delightful breakfast or brunch with your morning coffee or tea. It also transforms into a fabulous dessert, especially when crowned with a light, airy whipped cream and a scattering of extra fresh berries. Its simple elegance makes it suitable for casual family meals and more special gatherings alike.

Blueberry lemon loaf on a round wire rack with a bowl of blueberries and a cup of coffee next to the rack

Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Blueberry Lemon Loaf

To ensure your Blueberry Lemon Loaf turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful cook’s notes and baking tips:

  • Achieve a Perfect Golden Crust: For an extra layer of delightful texture and a hint of sweetness, consider sprinkling your unbaked loaf with a generous amount of granulated sugar or turbinado sugar (raw sugar) before placing it in the oven. Both options create a beautiful, crunchy topping that adds to the loaf’s overall appeal.
  • Preventing Purple Batter: When adding your blueberries to the batter, always fold them in gently with a rubber spatula. Overmixing can cause the blueberries to break open, releasing their juices and potentially turning your beautiful golden batter an unappealing purple hue. A light touch ensures the berries remain whole, creating distinct pockets of fruit.
  • Dealing with Excessive Browning: Ovens can sometimes be unpredictable, and some loaves may brown more quickly than others, particularly towards the end of the baking time. If you notice your loaf is getting too dark on top before it’s fully cooked through, simply tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This acts as a shield, preventing further browning while allowing the inside to continue baking to perfection. We often find ourselves tenting our loaf around the 50-55 minute mark, but keep an eye on yours as baking times can vary slightly.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother, more emulsified batter that contributes to a lighter, more even texture in your finished loaf.
  • Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense loaf rather than the tender, moist crumb you’re aiming for.
  • Pan Preparation is Key: Always thoroughly spray your loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or grease and flour it, to ensure your loaf releases easily once baked and cooled. Nothing is more disappointing than a delicious loaf stuck to its pan!

Recipe Video Guide

For those who prefer a visual guide, a recipe video demonstrating each step of this delightful Blueberry Lemon Loaf preparation is available. Watching the process can provide extra confidence and clarify any questions you might have, ensuring your baking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

A video tutorial for this recipe would typically appear here, guiding you through each step visually.

Blueberry Lemon Loaf Recipe Card

This Blueberry Lemon Loaf is bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries and a twist of lemon!

Blueberry Lemon Loaf

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 servings

Print Recipe

This Blueberry Lemon Loaf is bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries and a twist of lemon!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, plus a bit extra for sprinkling on top before baking
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully blended. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear. In a separate small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with one tablespoon of the reserved flour mixture (this helps prevent them from sinking). Remove the bowl from the mixer, and carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to keep the blueberries whole.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with a little extra granulated sugar or turbinado sugar for a crunchy crust.
  7. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf begins to brown too quickly during baking, loosely tent it with a piece of aluminum foil (this typically happens around the 50-55 minute mark).
  8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes on a wire rack. Then, carefully release the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an extra crunch and a beautiful finish, sprinkle your pre-baked loaf with granulated sugar or turbinado sugar before baking. Both options work wonderfully.
  • Always fold your blueberries into the batter gently using a rubber spatula. This technique helps them stay whole and prevents their juices from coloring the batter purple.
  • If you notice the top of your loaf browning too quickly during the last stages of baking, simply cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This prevents over-browning while the center finishes cooking.
  • This loaf stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or it can be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword: blueberry loaf recipe, easy blueberry loaf recipe, lemon loaf with blueberries

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

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More Delicious Quick Breads to Enjoy

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of quick breads, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of delightful, easy-to-make loaves waiting to be discovered. These recipes are perfect for any time you crave a homemade baked good without the fuss of yeast or complex techniques. Expand your baking repertoire with these other fantastic quick bread ideas:

Cinnamon Streusel Quick Bread

Boozy Banana Bread

Rhubarb Crumb Loaf

Chai Spiced Pound Cake with Brown Butter Glaze

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