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Celebrating the weekend with this sweet Swirled Blueberry Lemon Thyme Cake. Perfect for summertime baking. Sweet lemony sour cream cake swirled with a mix of fresh blueberries and blueberry jam. This cake is mouthwatering and oh so delicious. Every bite is layered with fresh berries, jam, and hints of lemon. Finish this simple cake with a lemon-thyme glaze that’s unique and delicious. This is the perfect berry-filled pound cake for any and all occasions. Bonus? It’s simpler to make than you’d think, and so very pretty…with very little effort.
Happy last Friday of May – happy almost June! You guys, I have to admit, I am feeling excited. June is so very close and things are starting to feel summery. It’s a fun time of year. We have three months of nice weather, amazing summer produce, and lots of summer baking to look forward too.
But right now, what I’m most excited about is this simple loaf cake, which is somewhat shocking to me. One, because there’s no chocolate involved…which is usually a must for me when it comes to cakes. And two, this is a loaf cake, not a layer cake. We all know how much I love a good layer cake, but I challenged myself to create a simple loaf style pound cake as a change of pace. It’s something I’ve never created before and I love creating new to me recipes.
Jumping right into the details today, because well, I want us all to do a little Friday night baking…it’s my favorite night to bake!
The inspiration.
As I mentioned above, I wanted to create something fresh, new, and different. I’ve never shared any kind of pound cake, or loaf cake for that matter, so I decided a lemony blueberry cake was the perfect fit. Fresh summer flavors in a simple loaf style cake.
I recently stocked up on plenty of fresh blueberries, so I knew I was good to go there. Additionally, I had plenty of fresh thyme in the fridge from my last herb order. I decided to put the two together and create a pound cake bursting with berries and hinted lightly with floral thyme and fresh lemon.
It was perfect. Bursting with flavor and juicy berries…and best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream. Or maybe a little homemade whipped cream plus a warm cup of coffee. Perfect Sunday morning brunch, afternoon snack, or late night dessert. You can’t go wrong.
How you make this blueberry lemon thyme cake.
It’s quick, easy, and so simple.
Cream some butter with lots of lemon zest and a touch of sugar. Then add eggs and sour cream.
Now, the sour cream is KEY. You can also use Greek yogurt, but I’ve decided that sour cream will give you the best flavor and the most amount of moisture too. This is my first time baking with sour cream, but it will not be my last. It’s a game-changer and I’m just a little bit obsessed.
Once all the wet ingredients have been mixed. Simply beat in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then stir in lots of blueberries.
And now we swirl in jam…
Because I LOVE a jammy cake and a mix of fresh berries to sweeten the concentrated jam. It’s a winning combination that never gets old.
So, layer half of the batter into a loaf pan, next swirl in a tablespoon or so of sweet blueberry jam. Spoon over the remaining batter, then add one more swirls of jam, a small handful of berries, and a sprinkling of sugar on top to finish.
At this point, it’s time to bake. Like most pound cakes, this takes about an hour in the oven…which is a long while. But I promise, the wait will be worth it!
While the cake bakes, make the glaze.
The glaze is where the thyme comes in.
First things first, please do not let the use of thyme scare you away. If you’ve never tossed thyme in with your berries, now is the time to start. It’s not an intense flavor, but it lends a really nice floral touch. I love the combination of lemon, thyme, and blueberries. It’s a simple ingredient to toss into the mix but adds so much.
That said, you are of course welcome to omit the thyme from the cake. It’s totally up to you, but I love the herbal addition.
The rest is simple. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and that thyme…and that’s your glaze.
Simple. Simple.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, slice, and enjoy!
Every bite is bursting with sweet blueberries, hinted with lemon and thyme, and perfectly sweet too.
Of course, I highly recommend you serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the only way to really enjoy a slice of berry-filled cake.
Some helpful suggestions…
You can really use whatever berry you love or have an abundance of in the fridge or in the freezer. Blackberries, raspberries, or a combo of your favorites…all will work, and all will be delicious.
If you don’t cook with sour cream, try using plain Greek yogurt. That works nicely too!
So make this today, tomorrow, this weekend, and from now until the start of fall. Fingers crossed that this blueberry cake will become your new “back pocket” summer cake recipe. So, with that, I will leave you with this yummy, but simple loaf style blueberry lemon cake.
Happiest (almost June) baking to you all! Hope you guys enjoy this cake as much as I do!
Looking for other blueberry recipes? Here are some favorites…
Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins
Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
Bursting Blueberry Cardamom Buckle
Lastly, if you make this swirled blueberry lemon thyme cake be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Swirled Blueberry Lemon Thyme Cake
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 336 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons blueberry jam
Lemon Thyme Glaze
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a (9x5 inch) loaf pan.2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon zest until combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla, beating until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in 1 1/4 cups blueberries.3. Spoon half the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of blueberry jam, leaving a few streaks of jam throughout the batter. Add the remaining batter and then swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon jam. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 cup blueberries and 1 tablespoon sugar. 4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until center is just set. Let cool before glazing. 5. Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and drizzly. Stir in the thyme, if using. 6. Drizzle the glaze over the cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
To Freeze: Bake as directed, cool completely, then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze in a freezer bag or freezer safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or on the counter for a few hours.
To Make Gluten Free: Use an equal amount of your favorite gluten free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. I recommend Cup4Cup gluten free flour.
Storing: this cake keeps well for 3-4 days at room temperature.
Yum! I hardly ever bake something but this caught my eye and I’m so glad it did. Totally recommend for new bakers 🙂
Hi Kaylee,
Happy Wednesday!🌤️🌸 I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
I love this recipe! I’ve made it a few times now and always turns out so good – it’s a definite crowd pleaser for sure and an absolutely beautiful loaf. Would be a definite hit for any event, currently making it as my husbands birthday ‘cake!’
Hi Lauren,
Happy Friday!!🥑🍑 I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it and sharing your review! xT
I’d like to make in a Bundt pan. Any suggestions.
Hi Sandy,
You would probably have to double the recipe to have enough batter for a bundt pan! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
I’ve made this recipe a few times and it is DELICIOUS! Just wondering – do you think this recipe can be readily converted to muffins or would it be too dense?
Hey Kat,
Thanks so much for making this recipe!! The muffins would work, but I do think they might be on the dense side. You might like one of these recipes:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/blueberry-lemon-ricotta-sweet-rolls/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cinnamon-swirl-blueberry-coffee-cake-muffins/
I hope this helps! xT
Going to give this loaf a try very soon it looks SO amazing! In the mean time I just made these muffins and added lemon zest to get a muffin version. ☺️ https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cinnamon-swirl-blueberry-coffee-cake-muffins/
Hey Danielle,
Happy Friday!!🍪🍦 Thanks so much for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
Can you use dried thyme in the glaze? Our herbs aren’t ready yet this spring, but I’m wanting thyme in the glaze!
Hey Andria,
Totally, that would be just fine for you to do! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
Pretty good my family loved it. Just thought it would be slightly more moist. but I notice any of these recipes with a “glaze” never comes out looking like her photo it just looks clear when it dries or fells into the cracks to the bottom of the pan.
Hi Mariana,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback! Sorry about the glaze, sounds like you just need some more powdered sugar:) Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xx
Had blueberries to use up so I made this today with my girls and I t is delicious! Would make it again for sure. Thanks!!
Hey Theresa,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
Hi there!
Would I be able to make this in a muffin tin?
TIA 🙂
Hi Sydney,
Yes, that should work well for you, just reduce your bake time! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Amazing cake! I made this for a friend’s birthday last week, and it was a hit. The lemon glaze is simple to make, but really adds a nice touch. Very yummy! We ate on it for a few days afterwards for breakfast, and what a wonderful treat to pair with your coffee to start your day
Hey Tommy,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Have the best weekend! xxT
Had to post again because it needs 5 stars not 4.
This was the perfect dessert to bring to my small group.
I double the recipe and people were scraping crumbs up from the pan to get one last bite.
I found it so simple to make and the out come was like a bakery item.
I think this will be a stale in my food to bring to party’s and gatherings.
Thanks again Jacquelynn:)
This was the perfect dessert to bring to my small group.
I double the recipe and people were scraping crumbs up from the pan to get one last bite.
I found it so simple to make and the out come was like a bakery item.
I think this will be a stale in my food to bring to party’s and gatherings.
Hey Jacquelynn,
Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
I really enjoyed making this for my son’s first birthday. It is delicious but a few things I noted:
1) I don’t think there’s any need for the salt. It’s quite overpowering. Salt in cookies is great, but in cakes, not so much. I’m going to try again without it.
2) I don’t think it needed so long in the oven. Maybe it’s just because I have a fan oven with a baking setting but I think I’d normally put a cake-loaf in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, not a full hour. The top of mine was quite burnt, but I wanted to keep it in the 55 mins to make sure the inside was cooked. Going to try again with less time in the oven!
Overall though, a unique cake bursting with flavour, and I’m loving the extra blueberry jam on toast 🙂
Hi Beth,
Happy Birthday to your son! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! I would definitely adjust next time based on how you bake typically with your oven:) I hope this helps! xTieghan
Delicious! I made it as written and it was a big hit at our family Father’s Day dinner.
Hey Alicia,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great week! xTieghan
This is as good as it gets. Made as written and it came out great. The loaf is super flavorful and not overly sweet. The lemon thyme glaze was the perfect combination with the blueberries. A great way to use up they thyme and lemons taking over the yard. This is good enough for guests, to include as part of breakfast, a snack with tea or dessert.
Hi Heather,
Happy Sunday!! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback!! I love to hear that it was enjoyed:) xxT