There is something truly magical about a perfectly baked lemon loaf that brightens up any day with its tender crumb and zesty citrus charm. This Lemon Loaf Recipe combines just the right balance of tangy lemon juice and sweet glaze, making every bite a delightful burst of sunshine. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a whim yet feels special and homemade with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Loaf Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a vital role: from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the lemon zest delivering that fresh, unmistakable zing, every element is essential to create the moist, flavorful loaf you’ll love.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the loaf, ensuring a tender crumb without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully, giving it a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds moistness and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the loaf moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that gives this recipe its bright, zesty punch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Bursts of extra citrus aroma in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully with warm notes.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glaze: Creates a sweet, glossy finish for extra indulgence.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for glaze: Adds a refreshing tang to the glaze, complementing the loaf perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your lemon loaf releases easily after baking. This small prep step makes a big difference in the ease of serving your final masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and guarantees a consistent texture throughout your loaf. This step also ensures that the salt is spread just right to offset the sweetness.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture lightens and thickens slightly. Adding the oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract creates a luscious batter packed with flavor and moisture. The sour cream adds a subtle tang and lends the loaf a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense, so a few streaks of flour here and there are fine. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even rise.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, your lemon loaf is ready! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This ensures the loaf sets perfectly and won’t break apart as you move it.
Step 6: Add the Glaze
Once your lemon loaf is completely cool, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top for that extra zing and sweetness combination. For an even more intense lemon flavor, poke small holes in the warm loaf and brush it lightly with lemon juice before glazing.
How to Serve Lemon Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices arranged on top elevate the look and add an extra touch of elegance. Fresh mint leaves also pair wonderfully, adding a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal notes that complement the lemon perfectly.
Side Dishes
This lemon loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it a fantastic treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a creamy yogurt parfait to add texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the lemon loaf thickly and serving with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey for a decadent dessert twist. Another fun idea is to toast slices lightly and spread with lemon curd for a bright and creamy snack full of citrus goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the lemon loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist. It will stay fresh for up to three days — perfect for slicing and sharing throughout the week!
Freezing
If you want to keep your Lemon Loaf Recipe on hand longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly. This brings out the fresh lemon aroma and keeps each bite tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Absolutely! While fresh lemon juice gives the best vibrant, natural flavor, lemon extract can be used in a pinch. Just reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated—about half the quantity of lemon juice should do the trick.
Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in this recipe. It provides the same tang and moisture as sour cream, making your lemon loaf both light and tender.
How can I make the lemon glaze thicker?
Simply add a bit more powdered sugar to your glaze mixture, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. A thicker glaze will hold its shape better and provide a sweeter finish to your loaf.
Is it necessary to use both lemon zest and lemon juice?
Using both enhances the lemon flavor dramatically. The zest offers essential oils that give an intense citrus fragrance, while the juice brings acidity and brightness. Together, they create the signature lemon flavor that makes this loaf so irresistible.
Can I make mini lemon loaves instead of one big loaf?
Definitely! Divide the batter among smaller pans or muffin tins for individual treats. Adjust baking time accordingly, usually about 20 to 25 minutes, and you’ll have perfectly portable lemon delights to share.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Loaf Recipe is one of those timeless, feel-good desserts that never fail to impress. Its bright flavors and moist texture make it a year-round favorite that’s easy to bake and share with loved ones. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and discover what makes lemon loaf so charmingly delicious and comforting.
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Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Lemon Loaf is a moist and tender cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect as a delightful dessert or an afternoon treat, it combines the zestiness of lemon with a soft crumb for a refreshing citrus experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to prepare your dry mix.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Then, blend in the vegetable oil (or melted butter), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the loaf.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is cooked through.
- Cool Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess at the bottom.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled loaf for a sweet citrus finish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, poke small holes in the warm loaf and brush with additional lemon juice before applying the glaze.
- Store the lemon loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
