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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Ingredient Fusion: Vigorously combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
- 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.
- Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous appearance without lumps.
- Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent overworking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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