Introduction:
This Moist Lemon Loaf with Sweet Glaze is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, delivering a burst of fresh lemon flavor in every bite. The loaf is tender and light, with a zesty lemon kick, while the sweet glaze adds a delightful finish. Ideal for breakfast, tea time, or as a refreshing dessert, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of citrus, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Loaf:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding them together until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake slightly. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Description:
This Moist Lemon Loaf with Sweet Glaze is a delightful treat with a perfect balance of freshness and sweetness. The loaf is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream (or yogurt), and the bright citrus flavor from the lemon zest and juice shines through. The sweet lemon glaze on top adds an extra layer of indulgence, making it the perfect addition to any gathering or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Tips:
For extra moistness, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
The glaze is optional, but it really enhances the lemon flavor. If you want a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice.
Feel free to add poppy seeds to the batter if you enjoy a bit of texture and added flavor.
Make sure the loaf is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting away too quickly.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest in both the loaf and glaze.
Variations:
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon-poppy seed twist.
Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity variation.
Lemon Coconut Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor combination.
Orange Lemon Loaf: Substitute half of the lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest for a citrusy blend.
Corrections:
Ensure you are measuring the flour correctly. Too much flour can make the loaf dry, so it’s important to spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup.
If the loaf is browning too quickly during baking, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve made your Moist Lemon Loaf with Sweet Glaze, slice it up, pour yourself a cup of tea, and savor every bite of this zesty, sweet treat. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just enjoying on your own!