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
- 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