This Lemon Loaf is a light and refreshing treat that combines the bright flavors of fresh lemon with a tender, moist crumb. Perfect for any time of day, whether as a morning snack with coffee or a light dessert after a meal, this loaf is sure to impress with its zesty lemon taste and soft, airy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Variations:
- Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a lemon glaze over the top of the cooled loaf. Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of fresh lemon juice until smooth, and pour over the loaf.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture and a fun twist on the classic.
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries for a fruity variation that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: This lemon loaf freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer your lemon loaf warm, simply slice and microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
- Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt adds a richer texture and flavor.
- Can I make this loaf without eggs?
- Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Almond flour is not a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour, so you would need to adjust the ratio and possibly add more binding agents to achieve the right texture.
- Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
- Yes, you can pour the batter into muffin tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure they’re done.
- Can I add more lemon zest?
- Absolutely! If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest by up to 1 tablespoon.
- What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
- You can use any other similar-sized pan, but adjust the baking time as needed. A smaller pan may require less time, and a larger pan may require more.
- How do I know when the loaf is done?
- A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
- While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, though the taste may be slightly less vibrant.
- Can I add a topping to the loaf?
- Yes, you could top the loaf with slivered almonds or a sprinkle of sugar before baking for a little crunch.
- How can I make this loaf more moist?
- Adding a bit more Greek yogurt or even a small amount of sour cream will help make the loaf more moist and tender.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Loaf is a simple yet delicious treat that brings a bright, citrusy flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, its tender crumb and zesty lemon profile will surely leave you craving more. The subtle tang of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness, making each bite refreshing and light. Perfect for any time of year, this loaf is sure to be a hit in your kitchen.