Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Introduction

The Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delightful blend of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, perfect for a refreshing snack or a delicious breakfast treat. This loaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a simple yet luscious lemon glaze, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Overview of the Recipe

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf recipe is simple and straightforward, involving basic baking steps like creaming butter and sugar, mixing dry and wet ingredients, and baking to perfection. The addition of Greek yogurt keeps the loaf moist, while the blueberries and lemon zest add bursts of flavor. The finishing touch is a lemon glaze that enhances the citrusy taste and adds a sweet, tangy finish.

History and Origin

The combination of lemon and blueberries is a classic pairing in baking, known for its refreshing and vibrant flavors. Quick breads like this loaf have been a staple in American baking for centuries, often enjoyed as a quick and easy treat. The use of Greek yogurt in baking has become popular in recent years, adding a healthful twist to traditional recipes by providing moisture and a slight tang.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, but do not thaw)

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup milk, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.

Step 2: Bake the Loaf

Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth.

Step 4: Serve

Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled loaf.
Slice and Serve: Slice and serve the lemon blueberry loaf as a delicious snack or breakfast treat.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

55-65 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:

Approximately 10 slices

Calories:

Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect choice for a morning or afternoon snack. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The loaf can also be part of a brunch spread, accompanied by fresh fruit, yogurt, and other baked goods.

Variations of the Recipe

Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Loaf: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Lemon Raspberry Loaf: Replace the blueberries with fresh or frozen raspberries for a different berry flavor.
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon poppy seed twist.
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Loaf: Use dairy-free butter, a plant-based yogurt, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs.

Health Benefits

This loaf contains Greek yogurt, which adds protein and calcium. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to overall health. Lemons are high in vitamin C and provide a refreshing flavor. While this loaf is an indulgent treat, using fresh ingredients offers some nutritional benefits.

Notes

Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the loaf.
Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. Avoid grating the white pith, which can be bitter.
Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the loaf (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add the glaze before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt? Yes, you can use any plain yogurt, including dairy-free alternatives, but Greek yogurt provides the best texture and moisture.

2. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom? Toss the blueberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them more evenly throughout the loaf.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

4. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the glaze? You can make a simple syrup by dissolving granulated sugar in lemon juice over low heat, then drizzle it over the loaf.

Conclusion

The Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberries. Perfect for any time of day, this loaf is sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a part of a brunch spread, its delightful flavors and moist texture make it a standout recipe. Try it today and experience the refreshing taste of lemon and blueberries in every bite!