Zesty Lemon Loaf Recipe: A Bright Burst of Citrus Goodness

Sunny afternoons call for a slice of zesty lemon loaf that brings vibrant citrus magic to your plate.

This classic lemon loaf recipe delivers a burst of bright, refreshing flavors with every tender crumb.

Lemons infuse the soft, moist cake with a delightful tanginess that dances across your taste buds.

Simple ingredients blend together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.

The delicate balance of sweet and tart makes this loaf a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Rich, buttery texture combines perfectly with the sharp citrus notes, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist.

Bake this loaf and watch as friends and family clamor for seconds of this irresistible citrus delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything for a Zesty Lemon Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the classic loaf texture.
• Baking Powder: Creates soft, airy rise and helps the loaf expand evenly during baking.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic lemon juice and contributes to light, delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the loaf.

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that traps air for fluffy texture and delivers rich, sweet foundation.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add luxurious richness to the loaf.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy depth and ensures incredibly moist, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle aromatic warmth.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Infuses vibrant citrus essence, providing sharp, refreshing tang and intense lemon character.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky smooth glaze that adds sweet finish and beautiful glossy appearance.

Gear That Helps You Nail That Citrus Bake

• Loaf pan: 9×5-inch essential baking dish for creating perfect lemon loaf shape.
• Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients smoothly and breaking up any flour lumps.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Zester or grater: Perfect for extracting fresh lemon zest without bitter white pith.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Toothpick or cake tester: Helps check loaf's doneness by testing center's moistness.
• Cooling rack: Allows loaf to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping batter and spreading glaze over finished loaf.

How to Bake a Lemon Loaf That Pops

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and lovingly coat your loaf pan with a buttery embrace.

• Wake Up The Dry Ingredients

Toss flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and give them a friendly whisk until they’re perfectly blended.

• Massage Flavor Into Sugar

Rub lemon zest into sugar with your fingertips, releasing magical citrus oils, then beat with butter until the mixture looks cloud-like and dreamy.

• Blend Creamy Goodness

Stir in eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

• Gently Marry Ingredients

Softly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring just until they become best friends – no overmixing allowed!

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and let it transform in the oven for 45-50 minutes, waiting until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Dress With Zesty Glaze

Once completely cool, drizzle a tangy glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over your gorgeous loaf.

• Slice And Celebrate

Cut into your sunshine-bright creation and enjoy every citrusy bite!

Flavor Ideas for Bright and Bold Loaf Slices

• Pull out eggs, butter, and sour cream 30 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and a softer texture.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make this treat accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a lighter, plant-based version that keeps the loaf moist.
• Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon-poppy seed twist that adds subtle crunch and visual interest.
• This loaf freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve its fresh-baked taste.

Serve Lemon Loaf With a Sweet Drizzle

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this lemon loaf with a fresh fruit salad for a bright morning treat that balances the cake's richness.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, letting the citrusy notes complement the delicate tea flavor.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform the loaf into an elegant dessert by adding a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on the side for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Gifting Presentation: Wrap slices in parchment paper with a twine bow for a charming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads joy.

Store Lemon Loaf and Keep It Moist

• Keep your lemon loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Place in an airtight container to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Slice the loaf before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen lemon loaf stays delicious for 2-3 months – perfect for future sweet cravings.
• If enjoying within 2 days, store the loaf at room temperature in a sealed container. Ensure the space is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup that could impact texture.
• Apply the lemon glaze just before serving for the most vibrant flavor and crispest finish. Store any leftover glaze separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week, giving you flexibility for future baking adventures.

Tangy Lemon Loaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Citrus-packed “lemon loaf” delivers a zesty paradise of tangy sweetness with delicate crumb and bright flavor. Moist, tender slices promise a refreshing escape that transports you to sunshine-filled afternoons with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Vigorously combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
3. Flavor Infusion: Massage lemon zest into granulated sugar, releasing aromatic oils, then cream with softened butter until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture with pale, billowy consistency.
4. Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous appearance without lumps.
5. Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent overworking.
6. Baking Cycle: Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and position in preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a slender wooden pick emerges clean when inserted into the loaf’s center.
7. Finishing Touch: Allow loaf to cool completely on a wire rack, then craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
8. Serving: Drizzle glaze generously over cooled loaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides, then slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Rubbing lemon zest into sugar releases essential oils, enhancing the citrus flavor and distributing the zest evenly throughout the batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients to prevent a tough, dense loaf – stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter and more even baking, ensuring a light and tender texture.
• Adjust lemon glaze thickness by adding powdered sugar or lemon juice gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg