Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake
Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Ideas
I absolutely adore baking, and this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake has become a favorite in my kitchen. Every bite is bursting with fresh flavors, thanks to the balance of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon. My family often enjoys this cake as a delightful snack or light dessert, and I've made it for countless gatherings. The combination of moist cake and vibrant lemon is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect treat for both baking novices and seasoned pros alike.
When I first experimented with this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake, I wanted to create something that would combine my favorite berries with a zesty twist. The result was astonishingly refreshing, and each slice vanished in no time! I learned that adding yogurt into the batter not only enhances the moisture but also gives the cake a tender crumb.
One day, I decided to serve it at a brunch gathering, and it received endless compliments. I recommend dusting it with powdered sugar just before serving for an added touch of elegance. Believe me, this cake is bound to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright and tangy flavor that enhances the sweetness of blueberries.
- Moist, fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack.
The Role of Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake plays a vital role in achieving its delightful flavor and texture. The fresh blueberries not only provide bursts of sweetness but also add moisture to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb. The addition of yogurt enhances the cake's moisture while contributing a slight tang that complements the lemon's acidity. This balance between ingredients is key to creating a loaf that feels light yet decadent.
Additionally, the use of lemon zest and juice infuses the cake with a vibrant, citrusy punch. This bright flavor profile is essential to cutting through the sweetness of the sugar and blueberries, resulting in a harmonious cake that is enjoyable at any time of day. For those who love a more pronounced lemon flavor, consider increasing the zest by another half lemon without altering the overall balance.
Baking Tips for Success
When baking, the temperature of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this allows for proper creaming with the sugar, which incorporates air and gives the cake its fluffy texture. Additionally, ensure that your eggs are also at room temperature for better integration into the batter. If your eggs are cold, a quick solution is to place them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before using them.
Texture is key to a successful loaf cake. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf; therefore, when combining dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stir until just combined. The use of a rubber spatula can be particularly helpful in gently folding the blueberries into the batter without breaking them, preserving their shape and the vibrant color they add to the finished product.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start baking:
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Make sure to have your ingredients measured and ready to go for a smooth baking process!
Instructions
Here's how to create your Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Yogurt
Add the eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Serve your loaf cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness!
Pro Tips
- For best results, use fresh blueberries, but frozen ones can also work
- just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent staining the mixture. If you want an extra lemony touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top once the cake has cooled.
Storage and Shelf Life
This Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it extra moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf. Slice the cake into individual pieces and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This way, you can enjoy a slice of delicious cake whenever you want. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for about an hour, or pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake either plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For a delightful breakfast twist, try pairing it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This combination offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the loaf. Some people even enjoy warming a slice and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese for a richer experience.
Another serving idea is to transform this loaf into a fun dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. These additions can elevate your cake from a simple snack to a standout dessert that will impress your guests at any gathering.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter.
→ How can I store the leftover cake?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Is it possible to add nuts to this cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or almonds would make a great addition for some extra crunch.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake
I absolutely adore baking, and this Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake has become a favorite in my kitchen. Every bite is bursting with fresh flavors, thanks to the balance of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon. My family often enjoys this cake as a delightful snack or light dessert, and I've made it for countless gatherings. The combination of moist cake and vibrant lemon is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect treat for both baking novices and seasoned pros alike.
Created by: Maribel Sutton
Recipe Type: Easy Desserts Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For best results, use fresh blueberries, but frozen ones can also work
- just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent staining the mixture. If you want an extra lemony touch, drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top once the cake has cooled.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g