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
Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Loaf
Proper Storage for Lemon Loaf
FAQs
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.
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.
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
Ingredients to Bake Lemon Loaf
Dry Ingredients:Wet Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers: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: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
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Lemon Loaf Recipe
- 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
- 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
- Prepare a loaf pan by greasing its surface thoroughly to prevent sticking and set oven temperature to 350F (175C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- 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.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, blending each one completely before adding the next.
- Grate fresh lemon zest and squeeze juice directly into the wet ingredients, stirring to distribute the citrus flavor evenly.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and stirring gently to maintain a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even spread across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- 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
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.