The Best Homemade Lemon Loaf Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This lemon loaf is bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The moist, tender crumb makes it irresistible, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up!
- It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- The zesty lemon glaze adds an extra pop of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack.
Recipe
This moist and tangy homemade lemon loaf is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it has a bright citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined. Stir in lemon juice.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Notes:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra lemon flavor, poke holes in the warm loaf and brush with a lemon syrup (equal parts lemon juice and sugar).
Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 10 slices
Nutrition
This lemon loaf is a delightful treat, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is the breakdown per serving.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbs | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade lemon loaf with a cup of tea—it’s a match made in heaven, especially with herbal or black tea. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy, dreamy contrast to the loaf’s tangy flavor. These simple additions make each bite feel like a special treat.
Tea Pairings
Since lemon loaf is bright and zesty, it pairs wonderfully with teas that balance its tangy sweetness. I love sipping Earl Grey alongside a slice—the bergamot complements the lemon perfectly. Green tea is another favorite of mine, especially jasmine or sencha, as its mild earthiness highlights the loaf’s citrus notes. For a cozy treat, try rooibos tea; its natural sweetness adds warmth without overpowering. Herbal teas, like chamomile or mint, are invigorating choices if you’re avoiding caffeine. Each sip enhances the loaf’s flavors, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Experiment and find your perfect match—it’s part of the fun!
Whipped Cream Topping
Simplicity meets indulgence when a dollop of whipped cream tops a slice of lemon loaf—it’s a match made in dessert heaven. I love how the cream’s lightness balances the loaf’s zesty, dense texture, creating a perfect bite. Making whipped cream at home is easy—I just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until it’s fluffy. Sometimes, I’ll add a hint of lemon zest for extra zing. It’s a simple touch that elevates the loaf, turning it into something special. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, this pairing always feels like a treat I’ve earned.
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