Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Zesty Lemon Glaze: A Bright and Delicious Treat

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Lemon Glaze is a delightful quick bread bursting with vibrant citrus and sweet blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert, this loaf is irresistibly moist and packed with flavor.

As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of buttery goodness and fresh fruit. Once the loaf is done, a bright lemon glaze is drizzled over it while still warm, seeping into every tender crumb, enhancing the sweet-tart experience.

Why This Lemon Blueberry Loaf Is a Must-Make:

Versatile for any time of day: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a sweet dessert.
Fresh, bright flavors: The tangy lemon and sweet blueberries create a lively balance.
Easy and quick: From prep to oven in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Moist and tender: The lemon glaze adds an extra burst of citrusy goodness that seeps into each slice.

How This Lemon Blueberry Loaf Came to Be:

Inspired by the vibrant displays of lemons and blueberries during a winter grocery run to Trader Joe’s, this loaf captures the essence of spring in every bite. Meyer lemons provide a sweet, floral lemon flavor, while wild Maine blueberries bring an intense, jammy burst of flavor. Together, they create a loaf that’s bright, balanced, and simply irresistible.

Easy and Quick Lemon Blueberry Batter:

Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together butter, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add vanilla extract and milk for smoothness.
Combine: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
Blueberries: Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries for that burst of fruit flavor.

Baking and Glazing the Loaf:

Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Lemon Glaze: While the loaf bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with extra lemon juice if necessary.
Glaze the Loaf: After baking, let the loaf cool for 15 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf, allowing it to soak into the cake.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf Recipe

Ingredients for the Loaf:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
⅓ cup melted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Ingredients for the Lemon Glaze:

2 tbsp melted butter
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or spraying with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, blend melted butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in blueberries gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to a platter.

For the Glaze:

Whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle the glaze over the still-warm loaf, allowing it to soak in for extra flavor.

Storage and Tips:

Storage: Keep the loaf at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate.
Freezing: Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Mini Loaves: Bake smaller loaves by dividing the batter between two or three mini pans and reduce baking time to 40-45 minutes.
Citrus Swap: Try using lime, orange, or grapefruit zest and juice for different citrus variations.
Berry Swap: Experiment with different berries, like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
Add-ins: Add ½ cup of toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes for added texture.

Creative Ways to Serve This Loaf:

Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: Top slices with a dollop for a trifle-like treat.
Grilled with Ice Cream: Grill slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful summer dessert.
Spread Cream Cheese or Peanut Butter: Enjoy slices with a spread of cream cheese or peanut butter for a satisfying snack.
Fruit Spread: Serve with lemon curd or fruit spread for a decadent breakfast.

This Lemon Blueberry Loaf is the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing, making it an ideal treat for any occasion!