Lemon Blueberry Crumb Loaf Recipe
This Lemon Blueberry Crumb Loaf is a delightful and moist quick bread bursting with fresh blueberries and a zesty lemon flavor. Topped with a buttery crumb topping that adds a perfect crunch, it’s an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this loaf balances sweetness and tanginess with a comforting texture.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Loaf:
- 1 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients until crumbly and set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the rising agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest, making sure all are well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the batter to distribute evenly without breaking them up.
- Fill Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
- Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled.
Notes
- Fresh blueberries are preferred for best texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may color the batter.
- If lemon zest isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for a similar citrus flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter as it can cause the loaf to be dense and tough.
- For added moisture, brush the cooled loaf with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- The crumb topping is optional but adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft loaf.
Keywords: Lemon Blueberry Loaf, Blueberry Bread, Lemon Crumb Cake, Quick Bread, Breakfast Loaf, Blueberry Dessert