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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and thoroughly coat a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a fluffy, airy texture.
- 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.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent toughness.
- Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution and professional appearance.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking process, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
- Allow loaf to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully release edges using a thin knife and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until glaze reaches a silky, drizzle-friendly consistency with no remaining lumps.
- 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