Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake

Recipe by Kaitlyn Wong

An upgrade on the classic glazed lemon cake, this lemon blueberry loaf celebrates summer’s bounty with a simple blueberry jam that gets marbled into the cake and is used to make a vibrant glaze. It’s easy to transport to any outdoor (or indoor!) gathering, and guests will rave about the intense, bright flavor. If you have any leftovers, they’ll be delicious with your morning cup of tea or coffee, or simply as an anytime snack. 

Prep
1 hr
Bake
55 mins to 1 hr 5 mins
Total
3 hrs
Yield
one 8 1/2” x 4 1/2” loaf
Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake - select to zoom
Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake - select to zoom
Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake - select to zoom
Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake - select to zoom

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Grease an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan and line with a parchment paper sling

  2. To make the blueberry jam: In a small saucepan, combine all of the jam ingredients and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often and mashing the blueberries with a spatula, until the blueberries are mostly broken down and the mixture starts to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the jam to a bowl and set aside to cool while you prepare the batter. 

  3. To make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 

  4. In a separate large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the sugar and zest together with your fingertips until the mixture is fragrant and resembles damp sand.  

  5. Using an electric hand mixer or the flat beater attachment of the stand mixer, add the eggs and mix to combine. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix to combine. Add the cooled melted butter and mix to combine.  

  6. Add the dry ingredients in 2 additions, mixing after each until just combined. Use a flexible spatula to scrape the bowl to ensure the batter is evenly mixed; this is the lemon batter. 

  7. Transfer about 1 cup (225g) of the lemon batter to a separate bowl and add 1/3 cup (about 100g) of the blueberry jam. Stir until evenly combined; this is now the blueberry batter. 

  8. Using a scone and muffin scoop or large spoon, portion about 1/3 of the lemon batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Use the back of the spoon or a small spatula to spread the batter into an even layer. Dollop about 1/2 of the blueberry batter on top of the lemon batter. Spread it into an even layer. 

  9. Repeat with another 1/3 of the lemon batter, followed by the remaining blueberry batter, and then the remaining lemon batter, spreading each portion into an even layer before adding the next.  

  10. Use a small offset spatula or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together in the pan by making several figure-8 motions. 

  11. Bake the lemon blueberry loaf for 55 minutes to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick or paring knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.  

  12. Use the parchment sling to lift the lemon blueberry loaf out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack; remove the parchment sling immediately. Let the loaf cool completely, at least 1 hour. 

  13. To make the glaze: In a medium bowl, add the confectioners’ sugar and jam. Whisk until a thick, smooth glaze forms. If necessary, add 1/8 teaspoon water to thin the mixture slightly to make a pourable glaze. 

  14. Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, concentrating it in the center and letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.  

  15. Storage information: Store leftover lemon blueberry loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.