Description
This Easy Moist Lemon Loaf combines bright fresh lemon flavor with a soft, tender crumb, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snacks, or light dessert. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with citrus zest and juice, suitable for beginners or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar with the eggs until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vegetable oil or melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf dense.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step helps set the crumb and prevent crumbling.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Ensure eggs, milk, and butter/oil are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and tender.
- Start testing doneness early, as oven temperatures may vary.
- For extra moistness and shine, brush the warm loaf with a lemon syrup made from lemon juice and sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon loaf, moist lemon bread, easy lemon cake, citrus dessert, gluten-free lemon loaf
