If you’re looking for a bright, fresh, and utterly delicious treat to brighten your day, this Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s a perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and juicy blueberries wrapped in a tender, moist texture thanks to the creamy Greek yogurt. This loaf cake feels like sunshine in every bite, making it an irresistible choice whether for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, yet impressively flavorful every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to this Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect combination of flavor, moisture, and structure that makes this cake so special.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Lemon zest: Packs in fresh citrus aroma and bright lemon flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tang and a slight zing for that irresistible lemon punch.
- Neutral flavored oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavors.
- Large eggs: Help bind ingredients and give structure to the loaf.
- Plain whole Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tender crumb with a subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the cake's structure.
- Baking powder: Leavens the cake to make it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Amplifies the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness and color throughout the loaf.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the smooth, sweet lemon glaze finishing touch.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for an easy release. This simple first step ensures your cake bakes perfectly and doesn't stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest and Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with lemon zest. Using your hands, rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and well incorporated. This step releases the essential oils from the lemon, infusing the sugar with bright citrus notes that will flavor the whole loaf. Next, whisk in the fresh lemon juice, neutral oil, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly blended.
Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients and Combine
Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt into your wet mixture gently. Stir just until the batter comes together; a few lumps here and there are perfectly fine and help maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing is the enemy of moist cakes, so keep the stirring gentle and minimal.
Step 4: Prepare Blueberries to Prevent Sinking
In a small separate bowl, toss fresh blueberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour. This coating prevents the berries from sinking to the bottom during baking, keeping them evenly distributed for that picture-perfect slice every time.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Blueberries in the Pan
Pour a third of the batter into your prepared pan, then gently add half of the flour-coated blueberries. Repeat by layering another third of the batter, the remaining blueberries, and then the final portion of batter. Smooth the top carefully to ensure even baking and a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Place your loaf in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can dry out the loaf. The aroma at this point will practically summon everyone from their rooms, trust me!
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential so the glaze won't melt into the cake and you'll get that beautiful, just-set shine on top.
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until silky smooth to create a perfectly tangy glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides for that irresistible finish. This final touch adds extra lemon zing and a festive look to your Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnish is a fun way to elevate your loaf cake’s presentation. Fresh blueberries scattered on top along with a sprinkle of lemon zest make it bright and inviting. You can even add a few mint leaves for a fresh herbal note that plays beautifully with the citrus flavors.
Side Dishes
This loaf cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its creamy texture. A cup of hot tea or a lightly brewed coffee completes the experience, making it an ideal pairing for breakfast or afternoon treats with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch or dessert table, slice the loaf and serve on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit and edible flowers. Alternatively, layer slices with whipped cream and blueberries in parfait glasses for a whimsical take on the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine, just be sure to bring the cake back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its soft texture fully.
Freezing
This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them into a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back the soft, moist texture that makes this loaf cake so comforting and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to toss them in flour while still frozen to prevent excess moisture and sinking during baking.
What kind of yogurt is best for this loaf cake?
Plain whole Greek yogurt is ideal because it adds richness and moisture without overpowering flavors. You could substitute with plain regular yogurt, but the texture might be a little less dense.
Is it possible to make this loaf cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures one-to-one, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the cake’s structure intact.
How can I store the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe without the glaze?
If you prefer to glaze just before serving, store the cooled, unglazed loaf in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days. Add the glaze fresh for the best appearance and flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may increase slightly depending on your oven and the pan size.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking and sharing a Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe with loved ones. Its tender crumb, bursting blueberries, and invigorating lemon flavor bring cheer to any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as comforting and joy-inducing as I do—happy baking!
Print
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake is a moist, flavorful treat featuring fresh lemon zest, tangy Greek yogurt, and juicy blueberries. The cake is tender from the yogurt and oil, with a bright lemon glaze topping that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Ideal as a breakfast pastry or an afternoon snack, this loaf is simple to prepare and bakes into a beautiful centerpiece.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest (from about two lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (59 ml)
- ½ cup neutral flavored oil, such as avocado or canola (118 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain whole Greek yogurt (113 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (218 g)
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (148 g)
For the Lemon Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar (65 g)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch heavy-weight steel loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use clean hands to rub the zest into the sugar until it is well incorporated and fragrant.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add lemon juice, oil, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add 1 ¾ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined, leaving some lumps to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
- Prepare Blueberries: In a small separate bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Leave any excess flour in the bowl.
- Layer Batter and Blueberries: Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Gently layer half of the floured blueberries over the batter. Pour the next third of the batter over the blueberries, followed by the remaining blueberries, then top with the remaining batter. Smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top of the loaf, allowing some glaze to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set and the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt keeps the loaf moist and adds a subtle tang.
- Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
- Test doneness with a toothpick to avoid drying out the loaf.
- The lemon glaze adds a bright, sweet finish but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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