What To Know
- This classic treat is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a moist and tender crumb that will melt in your mouth.
- The key to a flavorful lemon loaf is using freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest.
- Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to create a mouthwatering loaf that will impress your family and friends.
Indulge in the tantalizing aroma and vibrant flavors of our delectable recipe for lemon loaf. This classic treat is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a moist and tender crumb that will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
9. Glaze the Loaf: Pour the lemon glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set.
Tips for a Perfect Lemon Loaf
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The key to a flavorful lemon loaf is using freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest. This will give your loaf a bright and vibrant citrusy taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough and dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the loaf is done.
- Store Properly: Store the lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 1/4 cup poppy seeds to the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Lemon Zucchini Loaf: Add 1 grated zucchini to the batter for a moist and flavorful twist.
Health Benefits of Lemon Loaf
Lemon loaf is not only delicious, but it also offers some health benefits, such as:
- Vitamin C: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
- Fiber: The flour used in the loaf provides fiber, which helps regulate digestion and promotes satiety.
- Potassium: Lemons contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
How to Serve Lemon Loaf
Lemon loaf can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or dessert. It can also be paired with:
- Tea or Coffee: The sweet and tangy flavors of lemon loaf complement the warmth of tea or coffee.
- Fruit Salad: Add slices of lemon loaf to fruit salad for a refreshing and flavorful addition.
- Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Top lemon loaf with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
Our recipe for lemon loaf is a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to create a mouthwatering loaf that will impress your family and friends.
FAQ
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but it may not have as intense a flavor as fresh lemon juice.
2. Can I make this recipe into a gluten-free lemon loaf?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free lemon loaf.
3. How can I store lemon loaf for longer than 3 days?
You can store lemon loaf in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
