A lemon loaf is a delicious and refreshing baked treat that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemons with a moist, tender crumb. Often enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, lemon loaf is typically made from a batter that includes lemon zest, lemon juice, and sometimes a lemon glaze on top. The lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor, while the lemon juice helps keep the loaf moist. It’s perfect for those who love a sweet yet tart flavor profile and pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
lemon loaf
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake the loaf for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the lemon glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Serve the lemon loaf at room temperature, slice
Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. Blueberries complement the tartness of lemon nicely.
- Poppy Seed Lemon Loaf: Incorporate poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and a slight nutty flavor.
- Glazed Lemon Loaf: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness and a glossy finish. The glaze is typically made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Lemon and Lavender Loaf: Add dried culinary lavender to the batter for a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Lemon Coconut Loaf: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flavor and added texture.
Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure a tender crumb. Overmixing can make the loaf dense.
- Check for Doneness: Test the loaf by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the loaf cool completely before adding any glaze to prevent it from soaking into the loaf.
- Proper Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Experimenting with these variations and tips can help you customize your lemon loaf to your taste preferences and make sure it turns out perfectly every time.
enjoy!!