Lemon Loaf Recipe
Lemon Loaf Recipe
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Lemon Loaf Recipe
This lemon loaf recipe combines the tangy freshness of lemons with a soft, fluffy cake that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack, this lemon loaf is easy to make and packed with citrus flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion and makes for an excellent treat to serve at gatherings, or as a special homemade gift for family and friends.
Description
If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, this lemon loaf recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this loaf is made using simple pantry ingredients, but it results in a rich, flavorful cake with a smooth, velvety crumb. The zesty lemon glaze adds an extra burst of flavor and a glossy finish, making this loaf irresistible.
What Makes This Lemon Loaf Recipe Special?
The combination of lemon zest and juice creates an intensely fresh and aromatic flavor, while the sour cream or yogurt (depending on your choice) ensures a moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday brunch, a potluck, or a casual afternoon snack, this lemon loaf is sure to impress.
Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the level of lemon in the loaf by adding more zest, juice, or even a few teaspoons of lemon extract for an even stronger citrus punch. The glaze, a simple mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice, complements the loaf perfectly, enhancing its lemony goodness.
This lemon loaf recipe is versatile enough to make for any season. While lemon is often associated with spring and summer, the light, refreshing flavor makes it suitable for year round enjoyment. Whether served on its own or paired with tea or coffee, this cake is guaranteed to please.
Why You Should Make This Lemon Loaf Recipe:
- Easy to Make: It’s a straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- Perfectly Moist: Thanks to sour cream or yogurt, the loaf remains moist even after storing.
- Great for Gifting: Its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste make it an excellent option for gifting to friends and family.
- Refreshing and Light: The balance of lemon and sweetness makes this loaf feel fresh and light, never overwhelming.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon milk (if necessary for the glaze)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Lemon: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Alternating between the dry ingredients and sour cream, gradually add them to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf, letting it drip down the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade lemon loaf; Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a snack.
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Lemon Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon milk if necessary for the glaze
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Lemon: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Alternating between the dry ingredients and sour cream, gradually add them to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf, letting it drip down the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade lemon loaf! Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a snack.
Notes
- Storage: This lemon loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Lemon Zest: Don’t skip the zest it really amplifies the lemon flavor in the loaf.
- Optional Add ins: For extra flavor, consider adding poppy seeds, blueberries, or chopped almonds into the batter before baking.
- For a Lighter Version: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing moisture.
