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### Instructions:
**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
**2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
**3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender loaf.
**4. Add the Eggs and Flavorings:**
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon zest adds a fragrant, citrusy note that will shine through in the final loaf.
**5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Yogurt:**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with the yogurt. Start with a third of the dry mixture, then add half of the yogurt, followed by another third of the dry mixture, the remaining yogurt, and finally the last third of the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until everything is combined.
**6. Fold in the Blueberries:**
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter. Be careful not to crush the berries, as you want them to remain intact, giving the loaf those delightful bursts of sweetness.
**7. Bake the Loaf:**
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the loaf should feel firm to the touch.
**8. Cool the Loaf:**
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze.
**9. Make the Lemon Glaze:**
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of lemon juice until it reaches the desired consistency.
**10. Glaze the Loaf:**
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf. You can let it drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
**11. Serve and Enjoy!**
Slice the loaf into thick, moist pieces and serve. This Lemon Blueberry Loaf is perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
### Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Loaf:
– **Avoid Overmixing**: When adding the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
– **Coat Blueberries in Flour**: To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help keep them suspended in the batter while baking.
– **Frozen Blueberries**: If you use frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. This helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter and turning it blue. Simply fold them in while they’re still frozen.
– **Customize the Flavor**: If you want to mix things up, try adding a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a slight crunch or a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
### Why Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a Favorite:
This loaf is everything you want in a baked good: **light, tender, and full of flavor**. The **zesty lemon** cuts through the sweetness of the blueberries, and the **moist crumb** makes each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks beautiful when served, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Whether you’re preparing a batch for a weekend breakfast or baking it to impress guests at a gathering, **Lemon Blueberry Loaf** is sure to be a hit. The fresh flavors of lemon and blueberry are timeless and always bring a sense of joy to the table. Try it today, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and tang in every bite!
### Conclusion:
Lemon Blueberry Loaf is a delightful, flavorful treat that combines the freshness of lemons with the natural sweetness of blueberries. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, and the simple lemon glaze adds an extra touch of indulgence. With its light texture and vibrant flavor, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of this delicious loaf—it’s sure to brighten your day!
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