Name: Lemon Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

This delightful Lemon Loaf is a moist and flavorful citrus dessert, perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, wrapped in a tender crumb. Ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert, this easy-to-make lemon bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this helps create a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, whole milk, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bright, citrusy flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
Fill the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.
Cool the Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra boost of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled loaf with a lemon glaze made by combining 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American