Description
Lemon Loaf is a light, zesty dessert featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with a sweet lemon glaze. It’s a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the lemon loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For the lemon glaze:
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the oven: 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.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool: Allow the lemon loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar, as needed.
- Drizzle the glaze: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Feel free to add fresh blueberries, poppy seeds, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, dairy-free yogurt, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs.
- To make the loaf fluffier, ensure you’re using room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
