Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined. (It’s okay if it looks slightly curdled.)
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Prepare Blueberries: Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. Gently fold into batter.
7. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
8. Cool: Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Blueberries: Using frozen blueberries? No need to thaw them!
• Lemon Flavor Boost: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or use lemon extract instead of vanilla.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezes well – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Variations

• Lemon Raspberry Loaf: Substitute raspberries for blueberries.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Blueberry Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use almond milk?

Yes! Almond milk or other plant-based milks work well. Texture may vary slightly.

2. How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?

Tossing them in flour before adding to the batter helps prevent sinking.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled will work. The flavor might be slightly less vibrant.

4. Can I freeze the loaf?

Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freezes for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion! The bright, sunny flavors will become a family favorite. Enjoy!