Easy Lemon Loaf

If you’ve been craving a slice of sunshine in cake form, then you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Easy Lemon Loaf. Imagine cutting into a moist, zesty loaf of cake that’s bright, fresh, and bursting with that irresistible lemon flavor. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles all around the table, whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, this recipe will have you coming back for more. Simple, quick, and totally delicious—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love Easy Lemon Loaf

This isn’t just a loaf of cake—it’s a moment of joy in every bite. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:

• Zesty & Bright: The lemony goodness shines through in every slice, making it the perfect treat to perk up your day.
• Quick & Simple: No complicated steps here—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting, this recipe is foolproof.
• Moist & Tender: With a texture that’s perfectly moist but light, this loaf is as comforting as it is refreshing. It’s the kind of cake you want to eat all day long.
• Versatile: It’s delicious on its own, but you can also add a glaze, top it with fresh berries, or even serve it as part of a brunch spread.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re sharing it with family, bringing it to a gathering, or enjoying it all by yourself, this lemon loaf is sure to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes this lemon loaf so magical. Here’s what you need:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the loaf. This gives the cake its structure and creates the perfect crumb.

Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the loaf rise, giving it that light and airy texture.

Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.

Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the loaf, making every slice melt in your mouth.

Granulated Sugar: The sweetness that helps create the perfect balance with the tartness of the lemon.

Eggs: Eggs bind everything together while helping the loaf rise and creating a fluffy texture.

Lemon Zest: The fresh, fragrant zest adds a punch of lemon flavor and gives the cake that unmistakable citrusy aroma.

Lemon Juice: This brightens up the loaf with that signature tangy flavor, complementing the zest.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds warmth to the lemony sweetness.

Milk: A little bit of milk ensures that the loaf stays moist and tender as it bakes.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this lemon loaf into your oven:

1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the loaf bakes evenly and rises perfectly.

2. Prepare Your Pan
Grease and flour a loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper) to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily once it’s baked.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, helping the loaf rise beautifully.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender loaf, as it incorporates air into the batter.

5. Add the Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth and fragrant.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!

7. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Easy Lemon Loaf

This lemon loaf is delicious on its own, but there are so many ways to serve it that will elevate your experience:

• With a Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top for extra sweetness and lemony flavor.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve slices of the loaf with a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for a light dessert that feels special.
• As Part of a Brunch: This loaf is perfect for brunch! Serve it alongside coffee, tea, or a fruit salad for a delightful spread.
• As a Snack: Slice it up and pack it as a snack for an afternoon pick-me-up or to enjoy on the go.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: This loaf keeps well for a couple of days on the counter, so you can make it ahead and have a sweet treat ready to go. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Add Poppy Seeds: For a fun twist, add poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and extra texture.
• Freeze It: This loaf freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Get Creative with Flavors: While lemon is the star here, you could experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime if you’re in the mood for something different.
• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A1: While you can, it’s best to use unsalted butter for more control over the salt in your loaf. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt by a pinch.

Q2: Can I substitute the lemon for another fruit?
A2: Yes, you could try substituting the lemon for orange or lime for a different citrus twist. The loaf will still be delicious!

Q3: Can I make this lemon loaf gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this loaf gluten-free. Just be sure to choose a blend that works well for baking.

Q4: How can I make the loaf sweeter?
A4: If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons, or drizzle a lemon glaze on top after baking.

Q5: Can I make this loaf without eggs?
A5: Yes! You can use an egg substitute, like flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce, in place of the eggs for a vegan version of this loaf.

Q6: Can I add a glaze?
A6: Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice would add an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just make sure you use a larger loaf pan or split the batter between two pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Q9: Can I add yogurt to this loaf?
A9: Yes! You can add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt for extra moisture and a slight tang that complements the lemon flavor.

Q10: How do I know when the loaf is done?
A10: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean (or with a few crumbs), the loaf is done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to lemon loaf recipe! It’s simple, sweet, and full of that vibrant lemon flavor we all love. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you want something delicious to snack on, this loaf is bound to make your day a little brighter. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of pure lemony heaven!

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