Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Add-Ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (lightly dusted with flour)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Pro Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients creates a lighter, fluffier loaf.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ⅓ cup of milk. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Add the Blueberries
- Toss the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking. Gently fold them into the batter.
- Caution: Overmixing at this stage can cause the blueberries to burst and tint the batter.
- Bake the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Tip: If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
🌱 Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Vegan Substitute: Replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Extra Sweetness: Stir in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min