Dive into the enchanting world of sweet and tangy flavors with our Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake recipe. Perfect for springtime brunches, afternoon teas, or a delightful dessert, this moist, flavorful loaf is a harmonious blend of zesty lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries.
Why You'll Love This Blueberry Dessert
- Flavorful. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, this loaf is irresistibly delicious.
- Easy to Make. With straightforward instructions, it's a breeze to bake.
- Crowd-Pleaser. Its universal appeal makes it perfect for any gathering.
- Versatile. Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Embrace the delightful combination of lemon and blueberry with this easy-to-make loaf cake. It's guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
What Is The Difference Between A Round Cake And Loaf Cake?
The main differences between a round cake and a loaf cake lie in their shapes, baking time, and presentation:
- Shape- The most obvious difference is the shape. Round cakes are typically baked in round pans and are often used for layered cakes and special occasions. Loaf cakes, on the other hand, are baked in rectangular loaf pans and are more commonly associated with bread-like textures and quick bread recipes, such as banana bread or pound cake.
- Baking Time and Texture- Due to their shape, loaf cakes often have a denser texture and may require a longer baking time compared to round cakes. The longer, narrower shape of a loaf pan means heat distribution is different than in a round pan, which can affect how evenly the cake cooks.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Fresh Blueberries- Adds a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Lemon Zest- Infuses the cake with vibrant citrus flavor.
- All-purpose Flour- Provides the perfect cake structure.
- Baking Powder- Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt- Enhances the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter- Gives the cake a rich, tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar- Sweetens the cake just right.
- Eggs- Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract- Adds a layer of flavor.
- Milk- Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Lemon Juice- Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
How To Make Blueberry Loaf Cake
- Preheat & Prepare. Start by preheating your oven and greasing your loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Eggs. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Combine. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture.
- Fold in Blueberries. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Glaze. Mix lemon juice and powdered sugar for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips And Tricks
Making a perfect blueberry loaf cake involves a blend of the right ingredients, techniques, and a little baking magic. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a delicious and moist loaf every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Bring ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream (if using) to room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in the finished cake.
- Coat the Blueberries. To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, lightly coat them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter.
- Do Not Overmix. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake because it develops the gluten in the flour.
- Prevent Browning. If you notice the top of your loaf is browning too quickly in the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil partway through baking. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the cake to bake thoroughly.
Variations
Experimenting with variations can turn your standard blueberry loaf cake into a new delight every time you bake. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Almond Blueberry-Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Streusel-Topped- Make a simple streusel topping with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then sprinkle it over the batter before baking for a crispy, sweet crust.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese- Swirl in a cream cheese mixture (cream cheese, sugar, and egg) into the blueberry cake batter for a creamy, tangy layer that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
What To Enjoy With Blueberry Loaf Cake
Blueberry loaf cake is versatile and can be enjoyed with various accompaniments depending on the time of day or personal preference. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Coffee or Tea- A classic pairing, enjoy a slice of blueberry loaf cake with your favorite coffee or tea. This combination is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a mid-morning snack.
- Fresh Fruit- Serve slices of blueberry loaf cake with a side of fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, peaches, or a mixed berry salad to add a refreshing touch.
- Ice Cream- For a decadent treat, pair a warm slice of blueberry loaf cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream is delightful.
- Whipped Cream- A dollop of whipped cream on top of the cake can add a light, creamy texture that complements the moistness of the cake.
How Long Does It Last?
Store your Lemon Blueberry Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can store it in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze a blueberry loaf cake for up to 3 months. When stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag, the cake will maintain its best quality during this time.
Remember to label the cake with the freezing date, so you know how long it has been stored. While the cake might remain safe to eat beyond three months, its quality, flavor, and texture may start to diminish.
More Brilliant Blueberry Recipes
- Lemon Blueberry Scones
- Blueberry Ice Cream
- Low Carb Blueberry Muffins
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Blueberries
- 1 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare. Start by preheating your oven to 350F and greasing your loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Eggs. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Combine. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture.
- Fold in Blueberries. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.
- Glaze. Mix lemon juice and powdered sugar for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake.
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