Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze

Name: Blueberry Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup plain yogurt; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baked Food

I absolutely love baking, and there’s something special about making a blueberry lemon loaf. The tangy lemon paired with the sweet, juicy blueberries creates a delightful balance that brightens up our mornings. The scent that fills the kitchen while it's baking is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially when topped with a zesty glaze. I’m excited to share this recipe with you—it’s become a favorite in my household!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:43:34.637Z

Baking this blueberry lemon loaf brings back so many fond memories. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting with flavors and ended up with a moist loaf that burst with fruity goodness. The first bite was a revelation, making me appreciate how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful.

To enhance the flavor, I like to use fresh lemons and plump blueberries. The addition of yogurt in the batter gives it a nice richness and keeps the loaf incredibly moist. If you haven’t tried a lemon glaze, I highly recommend it—it adds a beautiful shine and extra burst of flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The vibrant combination of blueberry and lemon creates a refreshing flavor explosion.
Moist and tender texture that keeps you coming back for more.
A delightful glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Mastering the Balance of Flavors

The balance of tart and sweet in this Blueberry Lemon Loaf is what makes it truly special. The fresh lemon zest not only brightens the flavor but also enhances the juiciness of the blueberries by adding a layer of aromatic complexity. Make sure you use fresh, ripe lemons for the best results, as older lemons might lack the zing needed to elevate the loaf. A microplane is an excellent tool for zesting to ensure you get the right amount of fragrant oils without the bitter pith.

When incorporating blueberries, opt for fresh ones whenever possible, as frozen blueberries tend to bleed more into the batter, which may result in a less vibrant loaf. If using frozen, consider tossing them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter—this can help them maintain their shape and reduce bleeding during baking.

Techniques for a Perfectly Baked Loaf

To achieve a moist and tender loaf, be careful not to overmix your batter once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture due to gluten development. Instead, fold the mixture gently until just combined—it's okay if there are a few small flour streaks remaining. The addition of yogurt in the recipe not only contributes moisture but also acidity, creating a lighter crumb and enhancing the loaf's overall flavor.

Keep an eye on the baking process; every oven is different, and it’s important to start checking for doneness around 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If your loaf has risen beautifully but is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious loaf:

For the loaf

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup plain yogurt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries

For the glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can get started.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your blueberry lemon loaf:

Prepare the oven and loaf pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt, and lemon zest, mixing well.

Combine mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in the blueberries gently.

Bake the loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the glaze

While the loaf cools, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the loaf

Once the loaf is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing.

Enjoy a slice of your freshly baked blueberry lemon loaf!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter or using a mix of frozen and fresh blueberries.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This loaf is best stored at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container, where it will remain fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the loaf. Wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving this Blueberry Lemon Loaf with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a delightful afternoon snack! For an added touch, try pairing it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or even some additional blueberries on top can add a beautiful presentation when serving guests.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits! While blueberries are a classic choice, you can substitute them with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries. Just ensure the fruit pieces are roughly the same size as blueberries to maintain an even distribution in the loaf. If you're looking to elevate the flavor further, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a unique twist.

For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey. Additionally, using Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt can increase the protein content while still keeping the loaf moist and flavorful. Remember, however, that these changes might slightly alter the texture and flavor balance, so adjust accordingly!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to fold them in gently to prevent them from breaking.

→ How long can I store the loaf?

The loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute yogurt with something else?

You can use sour cream or buttermilk as substitutes for yogurt in this recipe.

→ Is it possible to make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.