Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful loaf. These are pantry staples with a few fresh elements that make this cake truly special. Don’t worry if you need to make a substitution or two — I’ll provide some alternatives along the way.
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen can work too, just don’t thaw them)
If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for that vibrant zing. And if you’re out of yogurt, sour cream makes a great substitute, adding a similar richness and moisture to the cake.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake ready to enjoy in no time. Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is the destination, so have fun with it!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This part always reminds me of watching my grandmother’s hands move swiftly as she worked her magic in the kitchen, a skill I’ve tried to emulate over the years.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense rather than light and tender.
- Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking, then fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of lemons and blueberries.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This is often the hardest part for me — waiting while the anticipation builds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International