Experience the delightful marriage of zesty orange and sweet blueberries in our Sumptuous Blueberry Orange Loaf. This loaf is an exquisite blend of vibrant citrus zest and juicy blueberries, baked to perfection and drenched in a sweet orange syrup. The loaf’s texture is soft and moist, enriched with the natural oils from the orange zest and the fruity burst of blueberries. Topped with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking, it features a slightly crispy crust that complements the tender interior.
Why You'll Love This: This blueberry orange loaf will enchant your palate with its complex flavor profile and satisfying texture. The fresh zest of orange invigorates the sweetness of the blueberries, making each bite refreshingly aromatic. The syrup infusion not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall sweetness and citrus flavor, making it irresistibly delicious. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or a teatime snack, this loaf offers a delightful taste experience that appeals to both fruit and citrus lovers.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a refined dessert after a family dinner, this loaf brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. It’s also a fantastic choice for seasonal gatherings, especially in the spring and summer when its bright flavors can truly shine. Present this loaf at your next book club meeting or potluck, and you’re sure to impress.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve slices of the loaf with a dollop of cream cheese or whipped cream on the side, sprinkled with additional orange zest or a few fresh blueberries. A mint leaf or two can add a touch of color and freshness. When serving, use a pretty cake plate and matching serving utensils to enhance the visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 300g sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 4 eggs
- 120g vegetable oil
- 250g yogurt
- 400g flour
- 4g baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 300g blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Syrup:
- 50g orange juice
- 50g water
- 100g sugar
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, rub together the sugar and orange zest until the mixture is slightly moist.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the oil and yogurt.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Toss the blueberries in a little flour to coat, then gently fold them into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake in a preheated oven at 165°C for 60-120 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven, pour the prepared syrup over the hot loaf, and let it soak in as it cools completely.
Serving:
- Serve the cooled loaf with a side of cream cheese or your preferred cream, garnished with a sprinkle of orange zest.
Enjoy this sumptuous Blueberry Orange Loaf, a perfect treat that combines the freshness of fruit with the zestiness of citrus, promising a delightful indulgence at any table!