What is a lemon loaf?

A lemon loaf is a sweet baked bread that features lemon as its primary flavor component. It typically combines fresh lemon juice or zest with a traditional loaf recipe, creating a bright, citrusy taste with a moist texture. Lemon loaves can be made as pound cakes, quick breads, or yeasted breads, often featuring a light yellow hue and sometimes topped with a lemon glaze or icing to intensify the citrus flavor profile.

How do you make a simple lemon loaf at home?

To make a basic lemon loaf, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar, then beat in 2 eggs one at a time. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Mix in 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before serving.

Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh lemons in a lemon loaf recipe?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can replace fresh lemons in a lemon loaf recipe. Use 2 tablespoons bottled juice to substitute for the juice of one fresh lemon. For zest substitution, use 1 teaspoon bottled lemon juice per tablespoon of fresh zest required. While fresh lemons provide superior flavor complexity and aromatic qualities, bottled juice will still produce a recognizable lemon flavor in your finished loaf.

How should you store a lemon loaf to maintain freshness?

Keep your lemon loaf fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. When refrigerating, wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The lemon flavor often develops more fully after resting for a day, potentially improving the taste.

Why did my lemon loaf turn out dense or heavy?

A dense lemon loaf typically results from overmixing the batter, which develops excessive gluten, or using too much flour. Mix ingredients only until combined and measure precisely. Expired leavening agents can also cause this issue - check that your baking powder is fresh. Additionally, verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as baking at too low a temperature prevents proper rising. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose can create a lighter texture.

Lemon Loaf: 5-Ingredient Moist Citrus Cake Recipe Guide

Name: Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 grams dark chocolate adds a rich, deep flavor that complements the lemon’s brightness and helps keep the loaf extra moist; 150 grams butter provides a creamy base that ensures the loaf bakes up soft and tender, while also adding a buttery richness; 2 cups all-purpose flour forms the structure of the loaf, giving it that perfect crumb without being too heavy; 1 cup granulated sugar sweetens the mix just right, balancing the tart lemon notes for a harmonious taste; 3 large eggs bind everything together and help the loaf rise, creating a light and airy texture; 1 teaspoon baking powder acts as the leavening agent to make the loaf fluffy and give it a nice lift when baked

Description

🍋 Indulge in the zesty, refreshing citrus flavors that brighten your day and provide a burst of vitamin C in every bite.
🍋 Discover the moist, tender texture of this easy cake, ideal for baking beginners and perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

200 grams dark chocolate adds a rich, deep flavor that complements the lemon’s brightness and helps keep the loaf extra moist

150 grams butter provides a creamy base that ensures the loaf bakes up soft and tender, while also adding a buttery richness

2 cups all-purpose flour forms the structure of the loaf, giving it that perfect crumb without being too heavy

1 cup granulated sugar sweetens the mix just right, balancing the tart lemon notes for a harmonious taste

3 large eggs bind everything together and help the loaf rise, creating a light and airy texture

1 teaspoon baking powder acts as the leavening agent to make the loaf fluffy and give it a nice lift when baked

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth think of it as setting the stage for a great show! Measure out 200 grams of dark chocolate, 150 grams of butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Zest and juice a couple of lemons if you’re adding that fresh twist, then let the butter soften at room temperature for easier mixing. This prep takes about 10 minutes and ensures you don’t rush later.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients Now, in a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until they’re well combined this builds a strong base for your loaf! Add in any other dry elements like sugar if you’re incorporating it here, stirring gently to avoid clumps. Keep this step quick, about 2 minutes, to maintain that light texture we’re aiming for.

3-Third Step: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients Grab another bowl and cream the 150 grams of softened butter with the 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and pale this usually takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the 3 large eggs one at a time, then mix in any lemon juice or zest for that zingy flavor. Slowly fold this wet mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring just until blended to keep the batter from getting tough. Take your time here, around 5 minutes, for the best consistency.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Pan and Bake Grease your loaf pan with a bit of butter or oil, then pour in the batter, smoothing the top for an even bake. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and pop the pan in for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 25 minutes to prevent over-browning rotating the pan halfway through helps for even cooking!

5-Fifth Step: Cool and Finish Once baked, take the loaf out and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you want to amp up the flavor, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top. Slice and serve once it’s fully cooled, which might take another 20 minutes, and enjoy that fresh, moist result you’ve created!

Notes

🍋 Use fresh lemons for the best zest and juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
🍋 Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake moist and prevent it from becoming dense.
🍋 Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra moisture and tang.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300 per serving
Sugar: 25 grams
Sodium: 150 milligrams
Fat: 12 grams
Saturated Fat: 7 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 80 milligrams

Keywords: Moist, Lemon, Cake, Citrus