Image source: IF YOU GIVE A BLONDE A KITCHEN
Greetings, fellow culinary enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my cherished recipes – the delectable Lemon Blueberry Loaf with a Tangy Lemon Glaze. This delightful creation has been a staple in my family for years, evoking fond memories of cozy kitchen gatherings and shared moments of joy. With its irresistible blend of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, this loaf is sure to captivate your taste buds and become a favorite in your home. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and let’s embark on a baking adventure together!
Let’s start by gathering our ingredients:
1½ cups of all-purpose flour, plus an additional 1 tablespoon
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/3 cup of softened unsalted butter
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup of milk
1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
Image source: Julia’s Album
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven and prepare your pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures that our loaf will release easily and achieve a beautiful golden brown crust.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of our dry ingredients for a perfectly textured loaf.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a moist and tender crumb in our loaf.
4. Incorporate the eggs and lemony goodness: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The addition of lemon zest and juice infuses our loaf with a delightful citrus flavor that brightens every bite.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Beginning and ending with the flour mixture ensures a smooth batter consistency and optimal flavor integration.
6. Fold in the blueberries: Coat the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Gently fold the coated blueberries into the batter until evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix.
7. Bake to golden perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures a perfectly baked loaf with a moist interior and golden exterior.
8. Allow to cool and prepare the glaze: Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the loaf cools, let’s prepare the tangy Lemon Glaze.
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Tangy Lemon Glaze:
You’ll need:
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest from 1 lemon
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy. The tangy aroma of lemon will tantalize your senses and enhance the flavors of our loaf.
9. Drizzle with glaze and indulge: Once the loaf has cooled, generously pour the tangy Lemon Glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. This adds a perfect finishing touch and elevates the flavor profile of our creation.
10. Exercise patience: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing into your masterpiece. The anticipation only enhances the enjoyment of each delectable bite.
Now that you’ve followed these simple steps, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Slice into your homemade Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Tangy Lemon Glaze and revel in the tender crumb, bursts of blueberry goodness, and zesty lemon flavor with every mouthful. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a comforting afternoon indulgence, this loaf is sure to delight.
I hope you derive as much joy from baking and savoring this delightful creation as I do. Happy baking, my dear friends, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of freshly baked treats!