Few things evoke the freshness of spring and summer quite like the dynamic duo of bright lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries. This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf perfectly encapsulates that vibrant combination in a single, incredibly moist, and tender quick bread. It’s a delightful baked good that feels both comforting and elegantly simple, making it ideal for any occasion from a relaxed breakfast to an afternoon tea snack.
The secret to this loaf's exceptional moisture and soft texture lies in the inclusion of plain yogurt in the batter. It imparts a subtle tang that complements the lemon while keeping the crumb tender for days. Each bite offers a burst of sweet blueberries balanced by the zesty citrus, promising a truly irresistible experience that will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas.
Why This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Will Become Your Favorite
- Unrivaled Moisture: Thanks to the yogurt, this loaf boasts a supremely moist texture that stays fresh and delicious for days.
- Explosion of Fresh Flavor: The combination of fragrant lemon zest and sweet-tart blueberries creates a truly harmonious and refreshing taste.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: Crafted with common pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers a gourmet-tasting loaf without any complicated steps.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, as a light dessert, or with a simple lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Loaf
To create this irresistible Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf, you'll need just a handful of fresh and pantry staples. Gather these ingredients, and let's get baking!
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Love bright and zesty flavors in your baking? You might also enjoy our recipe for Lemon Loaf Cake with Lemon Glaze – Easy & Delicious Recipe for another delightful treat. For those who appreciate the health benefits of our key ingredients, did you know that blueberries are celebrated for their rich antioxidant content? You can explore more about the nutritional value and history of these amazing berries on Wikipedia.
Baking Your Perfect Loaf: Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving Baking Excellence
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf turns out perfectly golden, moist, and utterly delicious.
Storing and Enjoying Your Loaf
This loaf is so good, it rarely lasts long! However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Countertop: For up to 3 days, store the loaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: To extend freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Tips for the Most Delicious Loaf
- Don't Overmix: This is crucial for quick breads! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf rather than a tender one. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and yogurt helps them combine more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a more uniform batter and a better rise.
- Toss Frozen Blueberries in Flour: If using frozen blueberries, lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Optional Lemon Glaze: For an extra layer of bright lemon flavor, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled loaf before serving.
For another delightful fruit and lemon combination in a quick bread, be sure to check out our Strawberry Lemon Bread Recipe – Easy & Fresh! It’s another fantastic way to enjoy a zesty, fruity treat!
A Slice of Pure Delight for Any Moment
This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf isn’t just a recipe; it’s a moment of bright, comforting indulgence. Its tender crumb, vibrant fruit, and refreshing lemon zest make it an absolute winner. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Happy baking, and enjoy every zesty, fruity bite!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf?
Yes, absolutely! You can add frozen blueberries directly to the batter without thawing. For the best results and to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, lightly toss the frozen berries in a tablespoon of flour before incorporating them into the batter.
What type of yogurt is best for this loaf?
Plain yogurt, whether Greek or regular, works wonderfully in this recipe. Greek yogurt will result in a slightly denser, richer loaf, while regular plain yogurt will yield a lighter, softer crumb. Just ensure it's plain and unsweetened to maintain the intended lemon-blueberry flavor balance.
How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf is fully baked?
The loaf is typically done when it has a beautiful golden-brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should also spring back gently when lightly touched.
What are the best ways to store leftover Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf?
Once completely cooled, store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. This loaf also freezes beautifully; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Divine Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf is an incredibly moist and tender quick bread, bursting with fresh lemon zest and juicy blueberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, large eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Gently fold in the blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking.
Step 6: Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the loaf out and transfer it directly to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra touch of sweetness and lemon flavor, prepare a simple lemon glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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