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Lemon bread is a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and sweet bread.
Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, at afternoon tea, or as a light dessert, lemon bread offers a refreshing flavor that stands out among other baked goods.
This easy-to-make recipe will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds craving more.
Perfectly moist with just the right amount of citrus, lemon bread is both simple and indulgent.
If you love the burst of flavor that fresh lemon adds to baked goods, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe.
The zesty lemon flavor paired with a soft and airy texture is what makes it such a popular choice for all occasions.
What Makes Lemon Bread So Special?
Lemon bread is a unique dessert because it combines the best elements of both a cake and bread.
The tangy lemon flavor brightens up the sweetness of the bread, making it a refreshing option compared to other typical desserts.
The simplicity of the recipe is part of what makes it special.
You don’t need to be an expert baker to make it, yet the results are consistently delicious and satisfying.
It’s the perfect treat for those who want something light and flavorful without being overly rich.
Lemon bread also stands out due to its versatility.
You can enjoy it plain, or add a glaze, nuts, or even a streusel topping to elevate it further.
It’s the kind of recipe that adapts to your preferences, making it easy to personalize and enjoy in multiple ways.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Bread
To make the perfect lemon bread, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create the ideal texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients
Start with all-purpose flour, which gives the bread its light and fluffy texture.
You’ll also need baking powder, which helps the bread rise.
A pinch of salt will balance the sweetness of the bread.
Wet Ingredients
Lemon juice and zest are key to giving the bread its vibrant citrus flavor.
Fresh lemons work best for the most intense flavor.
Sugar is used to add sweetness, and eggs help bind everything together.
Oil or butter gives the bread its moisture and tenderness.
Optional ingredients like poppy seeds or a lemon glaze can be added to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Feel free to get creative with add-ins like blueberries or walnuts to put your own twist on this classic lemon bread recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
This ensures that the dry ingredients are well-combined and helps the bread rise evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar.
Add the eggs and whisk until smooth and combined.
Stir in the oil or melted butter to add moisture to the bread.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Do this gently to avoid over-mixing, which could make the bread dense.
Mix until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice and serve.
Optionally, drizzle with lemon glaze for added sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bread
Use Fresh Lemons
For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice.
The zest from the lemon adds a fragrant citrus flavor that really makes the bread stand out.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
It’s important to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently.
Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bread rather than light and fluffy lemon bread.
Check for Doneness
When baking, always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread.
If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
Add a Glaze
A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can enhance the flavor and add a beautiful finish.
Just mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
Let the Bread Cool Completely
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
This ensures the bread sets properly and slices more cleanly.
How to Store Lemon Bread
Lemon bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
If you want to extend its shelf life, store the bread in the fridge for up to a week.
Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container to maintain its moisture.
Lemon bread can also be frozen for longer storage.
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frozen lemon bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature for a few hours or warm it slightly in the oven.
Conclusion
Lemon bread is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful treat that will brighten any occasion.
With its balance of sweetness and citrusy tang, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Whether you’re making it for yourself, a gift, or a gathering, this recipe is easy to follow and always a hit.
Don’t forget to personalize it with optional add-ins or a glaze for that extra touch.
So, grab your lemons and start baking – the perfect lemon bread is just a few steps away!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour as alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly. - Can I substitute butter for oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the oil with melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor. - How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute or vegetable oil in place of butter, and ensure your sugar is vegan if necessary. - Can I use lemon extract instead of zest?
Lemon extract can be used in place of zest, but it won’t provide the same fresh citrus aroma. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of extract as a substitute. - How do I make lemon bread more moist?
To keep the bread moist, make sure not to overbake it and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra richness.
Lemon Bread
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (1)
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk (1)
- Measuring cups and spoons (1 set)
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer – 1
- Rubber Spatula (1)
- Toothpick (for testing doneness) – 1
- Wire rack (for cooling) – 1
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups 240g
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Lemon zest – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice – ¼ cup freshly squeezed
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup 200g
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vegetable oil – ½ cup 120ml or melted butter
- Optional lemon glaze:
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup 120g
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk well. Stir in the oil or melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove the bread and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional glaze: For extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Fresh lemons are key to achieving the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute butter for oil in the batter.
- This bread can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge.
- For an extra zing, try adding poppy seeds to the batter or a few blueberries for added texture.
- If you’re in a hurry, the bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
