Lemon Loaf Recipe

Zesty Homemade Lemon Loaf Recipe for Sweet-Tart Bliss

Whipping up a delightful lemon loaf brings sunshine right into your kitchen.

Citrus zest dances through each soft, moist slice with vibrant energy.

Subtle tanginess mingles with sweet undertones, creating a perfect balance for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe without stress.

Bright yellow crumbs promise a burst of refreshing flavor in every bite.

Simple ingredients blend together to craft a treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this delectable dessert comes together, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Grab a fork and let’s make something deliciously memorable!

Variations on Lemon Loaf to Try

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a light, tender texture.
  • Orange Citrus Variation: Swap lemon zest and juice with fresh orange ingredients for a different citrusy profile while keeping the same baking method.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of regular milk to create a lactose-free lemon cake that's equally moist and flavorful.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute half the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content without compromising the loaf's delicious taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Loaf

  • Complement the lemon loaf's bright citrus notes with a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea, which enhances the cake's subtle sweetness and provides a soothing balance.
  • Elevate each slice by spreading a thin layer of mascarpone cheese or mild cream cheese, creating a luxurious texture that softens the loaf's tangy profile.
  • Select a light, crisp Moscato or Riesling that mirrors the lemon's zesty character, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's rich buttery base.
  • Garnish alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, which add a vibrant color and natural sweetness that beautifully echoes the lemon's citrusy essence.

Proper Storage for Lemon Loaf

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled lemon loaf in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze Whole: Wrap the entire unsliced loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Freeze Slices: Cut loaf into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in toaster oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes until slightly heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but might taste slightly less vibrant and could impact the overall taste of the loaf.

  • How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf tough and dense, causing a less tender texture. Gently fold ingredients until no flour streaks remain.

  • What if I don't have whole milk?

You can substitute with low-fat milk or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. The fat content might slightly change the texture, but the loaf will still be delicious.

Moist and Delicious Lemon Loaf

Moist and Delicious Lemon Loaf
  • Burst with Citrus Flavor: This lemon loaf packs a zesty punch that instantly brightens your day with its vibrant, tangy taste.
  • Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfect for novice bakers, the recipe uses simple techniques and basic ingredients anyone can master in their kitchen.
  • Versatile Treat for Any Moment: Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee, hosting brunch, or needing a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this lemon loaf fits every occasion perfectly.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: With just two bowls and straightforward mixing steps, this recipe promises deliciousness without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.

Ingredients to Bake Lemon Loaf

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the lemon loaf.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the loaf.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the lemon loaf, creating a tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a golden-brown crust.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the loaf's structure and tenderness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth, consistent batter.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Infuse the loaf with bright, citrusy flavor and provide a tangy, refreshing taste.

Step-by-Step Lemon Loaf Preparation

Step-by-Step Lemon Loaf Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and give your loaf pan a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Your Dry Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Zest Things Up

Fold in fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a bright and tangy essence. Slowly incorporate your dry ingredients, alternating with milk.

Stir just until everything is smoothly integrated – no overmixing allowed!

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour your silky batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean and dry.

Step 6: Cool And Slice

Let your golden loaf rest and cool completely before slicing. This allows the texture to settle and flavors to mingle deliciously.

Tips to Perfect Lemon Loaf

  • Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and get more aromatic citrus notes.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more evenly incorporated batter that rises beautifully.
  • Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking and maintain moisture.
  • Brush warm loaf with lemon syrup for extra tanginess and keep the cake tender and soft.
  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve freshness.
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Lemon Loaf Recipe

Lemon Loaf Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Classic lemon loaf celebrates zesty citrus flavors with moist crumb and bright glaze. Bakers seeking refreshing dessert will adore this simple yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lemons (zest and juice, fresh)
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare a loaf pan by greasing its surface thoroughly to prevent sticking and set oven temperature to 350F (175C).
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth cream-like texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, blending each one completely before adding the next.
  5. Grate fresh lemon zest and squeeze juice directly into the wet ingredients, stirring to distribute the citrus flavor evenly.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and stirring gently to maintain a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even spread across the surface.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  9. Remove from oven and let the loaf cool completely in the pan before carefully slicing to serve.

Notes

  • Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and get the most aromatic citrus notes in your loaf.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smoother batter and more even mixing, preventing potential lumps.
  • Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 40 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary slightly between different kitchen appliances.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the loaf’s tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 137 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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