Name: Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups + 1 tbsp flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup yogurt (or sour cream); ½ tsp vanilla; ½ cup oil; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1½ cups blueberries (tossed with 1 tbsp flour); 2–3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 6 reviews

This Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf is the sunshine you’ve been missing in your baking rotation! Imagine a tender, golden loaf bursting with juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest, all drenched in a tangy-sweet glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking to wow brunch guests or sneak a sweet treat for yourself, this loaf delivers the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and fluffy — it’s a recipe you’ll bake again and again.

Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients, when chosen thoughtfully, create the magic behind this loaf’s flavorful crumb and vibrant look. Each element here pulls its weight, from supporting texture to amplifying the blueberry-lemon pop!

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the loaf, keeping it light but sturdy enough for juicy berries.
Baking powder: Lifts the batter, giving you that lovely domed top without making things dense.
Salt: A pinch ties all the flavors together and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Creates richness and helps the loaf stay moist and tender.
Sugar: Sweetens up the loaf and helps achieve that caramelized golden crust.
Yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and unbeatable moistness; Greek yogurt gives a denser crumb, while sour cream keeps it light.
Vanilla extract: Lends that cozy background flavor which makes everything taste homemade.
Neutral oil: Ensures the loaf stays soft for days (if it lasts that long).
Lemon zest: The secret to fresh, zippy flavor. Use the most fragrant lemons you can find!
Blueberries: Small pops of juicy sweetness; tossing them in flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom.
Lemon juice: Shaken with powdered sugar for a simple glaze that adds sparkle and tang.
Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, creating a luscious drizzle that seeps into every corner.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure to get into those corners for the perfect release. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go. Gather and measure your ingredients — zest the lemons, toss the blueberries with one tablespoon of flour, and let eggs reach room temperature for best results.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. This method aerates the flour, making for a cloud-like crumb and even rise in your Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf. Set aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Eggs, Sugar, and Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened. Add the yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, oil, and that super fragrant lemon zest. Gently whisk to blend, ensuring the zest is well distributed for bright flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, using a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together just until combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour remaining — lumps are just fine!

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Take your flour-dusted blueberries and very gently fold them into the batter. This extra step helps keep the berries from sinking to the bottom, giving you bursts of blueberry in every slice of your Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf.

Step 6: Bake

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look golden and crisp, while the center stays soft and tender.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

While the loaf is still warm, whisk together lemon juice and powdered sugar to make your zingy glaze. Drizzle it right over the loaf so it seeps down into the cracks. Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift out to finish cooling on a wire rack. The aroma is pure heaven!

How to Serve Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Garnishes

Dress up your Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf with a light dusting of powdered sugar, lemon zest curls, or even a few extra fresh blueberries scattered artfully on top. A sprig of mint adds a chic touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This loaf is bliss on its own, but pairs beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a quick fruit salad tossed with honey. Add a cup of hot tea or fresh coffee for a completely cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve on a charming board for brunch, cut into cubes for a dessert bar, or layer with whipped cream and berries for a playful trifle. Mini loaves or muffins are a perfect gift for neighbors, and they travel well for picnics, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. If your kitchen runs warm, pop it in the fridge to extend freshness a day or two more.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, wrap it snugly in plastic and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Slice before freezing if you prefer grabbing single servings. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months — just let slices thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked magic, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. The glaze may become slightly sticky, which just adds to the deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I use fresh instead of frozen blueberries?

Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen blueberries work beautifully in Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf. If using frozen, keep them unthawed to avoid streaky batter and sogginess.

What’s the best substitute for yogurt?

If you’re out of yogurt, sour cream is a one-to-one swap with a similar tang and richness. Plain kefir or buttermilk also work but the batter may be slightly thinner.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply sub your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on bake time, as it may vary slightly.

How can I get a stronger lemon flavor?

For more zing, double the amount of lemon zest, or whisk a little extra zest and juice into the glaze for a bolder punch. You can even add a touch of lemon extract if you like things really citrusy.

Do I need to coat the blueberries with flour?

Tossing blueberries with a tablespoon of flour helps them suspend evenly throughout the batter, preventing them from all sinking to the bottom — it’s a simple trick that makes your Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf look and taste pro!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for simple, joyful baking, you truly can’t go wrong with a Zesty Lemon Blueberry Loaf. The flavors are vibrant and inviting, while the texture keeps everyone coming back for just one more slice. Gather your ingredients and give this a try — it’s a recipe that promises to brighten every table and brings smiles with every bite!