Lemon Loaf

Here’s a bright and zesty Lemon Loaf recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, buttery, and full of lemon flavor!

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Instructions:

Make the Lemon Loaf:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Cool:
   Let the lemon loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Lemon Glaze:

8. Prepare the Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. If you want an extra zing, add a bit of lemon zest to the glaze.
9. Glaze the Loaf:
   Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve:

Slice the loaf and enjoy its soft texture and burst of lemon flavor! This Lemon Loaf pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. Enjoy!