The Bright & Zesty Lemon Loaf Recipe Everyone Adores

Sunshine bursts through every slice of this zesty lemon loaf recipe that promises pure delight.

Tangy and sweet, the bread dances with bright citrus notes that awaken your senses.

Soft, moist crumbs melt effortlessly on your tongue with each bite.

This simple yet elegant dessert brings a refreshing twist to your baking repertoire.

The delicate balance of tartness and sweetness creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a spectacular treat.

One slice will transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Lemon Loaf for Every Occasion

• Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for home bakers looking to improve their pastry-making techniques with simple steps and clear instructions.
• Citrus Delight Guaranteed: Packed with lemon zest, juice, and extract, this loaf delivers an intense, vibrant citrus flavor that will make taste buds dance.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual dessert, this lemon loaf adapts to multiple occasions and always impresses guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, moist texture and sweet-tangy glaze create a universally loved dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Lemon Loaf Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the lemon loaf.
• Baking Powder: Essential for helping the loaf rise and achieve a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the baked goods.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender crumb in the lemon loaf.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the loaf's structure.
• Sour Cream: Provides moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers intense citrus flavor and aromatic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, fresh citrus taste to the loaf.
• Lemon Extract: Boosts the lemon flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Milk, Melted Butter: These ingredients combine to create a smooth, tangy glaze that adds sweetness and shine to the lemon loaf.

Lemon Loaf Baking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab a loaf pan and give it a generous butter massage to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir these buddies together and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Lemon extract

Blend until everything plays nicely together.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir just until combined – no aggressive mixing allowed!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for about 60 minutes.

The loaf is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then use a knife to free the edges and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 8: Whip Up Tangy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Milk
• Melted butter

Stir until silky smooth.

Step 9: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.

Spread with a spoon and let it set.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Loaf

• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense lemon flavor in your loaf.
• Toss flour-coated dry ingredients gently to ensure even distribution and prevent cake from sinking.
• Add sour cream for an incredibly soft, tender crumb that stays moist for days after baking.
• Let the lemon loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent the topping from sliding off and ensure a clean, crisp finish.
• Garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest to elevate the presentation and boost citrusy aroma.

Fresh Ideas for Lemon Loaf Variations

• Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Citrus Bread: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with applesauce, and sour cream with almond yogurt to create a plant-based version of the classic lemon loaf.
• Orange Zest Alternative: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a different citrusy flavor profile that still maintains the cake's brightness.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce the amount of glaze to create a lighter, less sweet dessert for health-conscious bakers.

How to Serve Lemon Loaf Warm

• Brunch Bliss: Pair this zesty lemon loaf with a fresh fruit salad and hot coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the loaf into thin pieces and serve alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea for an elegant midday snack.
• Dessert Upgrade: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries to transform the loaf into a sophisticated dessert option.
• Party Presentation: Cut the loaf into bite-sized cubes and skewer with toothpicks for easy entertaining and social gatherings.

Keeping Lemon Loaf Fresh and Soft

• Store the cooled lemon loaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Wrap the entire unglazed loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and add glaze just before enjoying.
• Keep the glazed loaf at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent drying out.
• Apply the glaze only when the loaf is completely cool to prevent it from becoming runny and ensure a smooth, beautiful finish that sets perfectly.

FAQs

• Why is sour cream important in this lemon loaf recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, creating a tender and soft texture while enhancing the overall flavor and helping to keep the loaf moist.

• How can I tell if my lemon loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners.

Lemon Loaf Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Citrus-infused lemon loaf delivers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and moist crumb. Zesty flavor and delicate texture invite bakers to savor each refreshing slice, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup sour cream

Lemon Flavoring:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest (roughly the amount from one lemon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract

Dry Ingredients and Seasoning:

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and thoroughly coat a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a fluffy, airy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then blend in sour cream, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract until ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent toughness.
6. Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution and professional appearance.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking process, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
8. Allow loaf to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully release edges using a thin knife and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until glaze reaches a silky, drizzle-friendly consistency with no remaining lumps.
10. Once loaf has completely cooled, generously pour glaze over the top, letting it naturally cascade down the sides, then let set for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Prevent dense texture by creaming butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, ensuring maximum air incorporation for a tender crumb.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Check doneness early by testing with a toothpick around 50-55 minutes to avoid over-baking, which can lead to a dry loaf.
• Enhance lemon flavor by adding extra zest or brushing warm loaf with lemon simple syrup before glazing for an intense citrus punch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg