Thereโs just something magical about the combination of juicy blueberries and bright, zesty lemon. This Easy Blueberry Lemon Loaf is everything you want in a baked good: soft, tender crumb, bursts of sweet berries, and a tangy lemon glaze that ties it all together. Itโs the kind of loaf that feels at home at a cozy weekend brunch, wrapped up as a thoughtful gift, or simply sliced and enjoyed with your morning coffee.
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Trust me, this recipe will win you over at the very first biteโthe citrusy freshness is like sunshine, while the blueberries give you little pops of sweetness in every slice. And that glaze? Oh, itโs the sparkling finish that makes this loaf downright irresistible.
Recipe Origin
This loaf takes inspiration from classic lemon cakes but adds the charm of blueberries for extra flavor and texture. Lemon and blueberry are a timeless duoโyouโll find them together in muffins, scones, and even cheesecakes. Here, they come together in an easy quick bread that requires no mixer, no fuss, and very little time. Itโs a modern take on a classic flavor pairing that feels both cozy and elegant.
Kitchen Tools Youโll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
Why Youโll Love This Blueberry Lemon Loaf
Bright & Fresh Flavor
The zing of lemon zest and juice balances beautifully with sweet, juicy blueberries.
Moist & Tender Texture
Greek yogurt and olive oil keep the loaf soft and flavorful, never dry.
Easy to Make
No mixer requiredโjust simple whisking and folding.
Versatile
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Beautiful Presentation
The blueberries dotted through golden crumb and topped with a glossy lemon glaze make this loaf as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Chefโs Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Toss the blueberries in a little flour before folding them inโthis prevents them from sinking.
- Donโt overmix the batterโjust fold gently until combined for the best texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the glazeโbottled juice wonโt have the same zing.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment for easy removal and a clean finish.
- Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to keep it from melting off.
Ingredients in Easy Blueberry Lemon Loaf
- All-purpose flour: The base for a soft and sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the loaf a nice rise.
- Salt: Balances and enhances flavor.
- Brown sugar & white sugar: A blend that adds depth and sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the loaf with bright, citrusy flavor.
- Whole milk Greek yogurt: Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and subtle flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor.
- Blueberries: Juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar & lemon juice: Whisked together for the glaze that adds a tangy finish.
(Note: the full ingredient list, with measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, white sugar, and lemon zest.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Bring It Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add the Blueberries
Toss the blueberries with a spoonful of flour, then fold them into the batter.
Bake the Loaf
Pour batter into a greased (or parchment-lined) loaf pan. Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 50โ60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Glaze
Let the loaf cool completely before drizzling with the lemon glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8โ10 slices
Calories per serving: ~280
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Loaf
- At Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, coffee, or tea.
- As Dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- On the Go: Slice and wrap for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Gift Giving: Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
- With Tea Time: A slice of this loaf is the perfect companion to a cozy afternoon tea.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bake a day in advanceโthe flavors develop even more by the next day.
- Storage: Store at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10โ15 seconds.
Variations to Try
- Blueberry Swirl: Add a layer of blueberry jam in the middle of the batter.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Mix in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for crunch.
- Mixed Berry Loaf: Use raspberries and blackberries along with blueberries.
- Coconut Glaze: Swap some lemon juice with coconut milk in the glaze.
- Streusel Topping: Add a crumbly streusel topping before baking for extra texture.
Additional Tips
- Always measure flour correctlyโspoon and level for accuracy.
- If using frozen blueberries, donโt thaw them; fold in directly from the freezer.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze makes for a pretty finish.
- Slice with a serrated knife to avoid squishing the loaf.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A1: Yes! Just fold them in straight from the freezer to avoid streaking.
Q2: Can I skip the glaze?
A2: You can, but it adds the perfect tangy sweetness that makes the loaf shine.
Q3: What if I donโt have Greek yogurt?
A3: Sour cream works beautifully as a substitute.
Q4: Can I use lemon juice instead of zest?
A4: Zest is key for bright flavorโdonโt skip it! But you can add extra juice for more tang.
Q5: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A5: Yes, bake at 350ยฐF for about 20โ25 minutes.
Q6: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A6: You can replace half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf.
Q7: How do I prevent the loaf from sticking?
A7: Grease well and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Bake in two pans or adjust bake time for a larger loaf.
Q9: How do I know when itโs done?
A9: A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Q10: Can I add nuts?
A10: Yes! Chopped almonds or walnuts add crunch and pair beautifully with the lemon.
Conclusion
This Easy Blueberry Lemon Loaf is sunshine baked into a panโbright, fresh, and comforting all at once. With its tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and tangy lemon glaze, itโs the kind of recipe that feels special but is simple enough to whip up anytime.
Whether you serve it at brunch, enjoy it with coffee, or sneak a slice as a late-night treat, this loaf is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. So go aheadโgrab some blueberries and a lemon, and letโs make something sweet, zesty, and downright irresistible.
PrintEasy Blueberry Lemon Loaf (Best Recipe)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8โ10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Blueberry Lemon Loaf is moist, tender, and bursting with juicy blueberries and fresh lemon zest, all topped with a bright lemon glaze. A simple yet impressive quick bread thatโs perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1โ2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep oven & pan: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line a 9ร5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, white sugar, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add blueberries: Toss blueberries lightly with 1 tsp flour (to prevent sinking) and fold into the batter.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 50โ60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & glaze: Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to batter.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1/2 tsp lemon extract to the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 37mg