Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf is a refreshing and light cake that’s perfect for a spring or summer treat. It features a moist, tender crumb thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, while fresh blueberries burst with flavor throughout the loaf. The bright, zesty lemon flavor shines through with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The yogurt keeps the loaf soft and adds a slight richness, while a simple glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar gives it an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

I first baked this Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf when I had a surplus of fresh blueberries and wanted to make something that felt light and fresh but still indulgent. The combination of the creamy yogurt, zesty lemon, and juicy blueberries made this loaf an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how it’s versatile—whether you serve it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert, it always feels like a special moment. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and the yogurt adds a wonderful richness without being too heavy. It’s a sweet, tangy, and refreshing loaf that’s perfect for any occasion!

Perfect for:

• Breakfasts and brunches
• Afternoon tea
• Light desserts
• Gifting
• Lemon and blueberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf will win you over:

• Bright and Fresh Flavors: Lemon and blueberry are a match made in heaven for a refreshing taste.
• Incredibly Moist Texture: The yogurt in the batter ensures every slice is tender and luscious.
• Quick and Easy: This loaf comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Burst of Blueberries: Juicy blueberries add natural sweetness and pops of color.
• Zesty Lemon Glaze: The tangy glaze enhances the lemon flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack.
• Perfect Balance: The tanginess of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries complement each other beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen and improve after a day, making it ideal for advance prep.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find items required.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 34g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the loaf.
• Fresh Blueberries: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and antioxidants.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Give the loaf its signature bright and zesty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Add Dry to Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Incorporate Oil: Gently fold in the vegetable oil until fully incorporated.
6. Add Blueberries: Toss the blueberries in flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

8. Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice if needed.
9. Glaze the Loaf: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides.

Serve:

10. Slice and enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a standalone treat!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving ideas for Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf:

• With Morning Coffee: Pair with your favorite morning brew for a delightful start to the day.
• As a Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a complete spread.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• With Lemon Curd: Add a layer of lemon curd for intensified citrus flavor.
• As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice during a relaxing tea break.
• For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream.
• Packed for Lunch: Include a slice in lunchboxes for a mid-day treat.
• As a Gift: Wrap in parchment and twine for a charming homemade gift.
• As a Picnic Treat: Easy to pack and share outdoors.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish with extra blueberries for a vibrant presentation.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the loaf dense—mix just until combined.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, squeeze fresh lemons for both the batter and glaze.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure yogurt and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the loaf cool completely to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Double the Recipe: This loaf is so good, you might want to bake two!

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Raspberry Loaf: Substitute blueberries with fresh or frozen raspberries.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Orange Blueberry Loaf: Replace lemon zest and juice with orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
• Coconut Blueberry Loaf: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into smaller loaf pans for individual servings.
• Berry Mix: Combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version.

Special Equipment

• 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan: For even baking and perfect size.
• Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine ingredients without overmixing.
• Rubber Spatula: For folding ingredients together gently.
• Zester: To extract fresh lemon zest with ease.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the loaf evenly after baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
2. How long does the loaf stay fresh?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze the loaf?
   Absolutely! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
   Sour cream or buttermilk are excellent substitutes.
5. Why toss the blueberries in flour?
   Coating blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
6. Can I make this without glaze?
   Yes, the loaf is delicious on its own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
7. How do I ensure the loaf is fully baked?
   Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
8. Can I add more lemon flavor?
   For extra zing, add more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
9. Is it okay to use a different oil?
   Yes, melted coconut oil or canola oil works well as a substitute.
10. What’s the best way to slice the loaf?
    Use a sharp serrated knife to cut clean, even slices.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf is a light, moist, and flavorful cake that combines the refreshing taste of lemon with the sweetness of juicy blueberries and the creamy texture of yogurt. The yogurt not only helps keep the loaf incredibly moist but also adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the blueberries. The zesty lemon gives the loaf a bright, citrusy flavor, making it a refreshing treat for any time of day.

This loaf is easy to make, with the yogurt providing extra richness and the blueberries popping with natural sweetness in every bite. The loaf can be drizzled with a simple lemon glaze for added sweetness or topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a light finish. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert to share at gatherings. For an extra burst of flavor, you can mix a little lemon zest into the batter and fold in fresh blueberries before baking. This cake is a great way to celebrate the fresh flavors of summer, but it’s delicious year-round.

I can’t wait to see how your Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your bright, vibrant creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this loaf your own!