Description
Zesty sunshine meets sweet comfort in this effortless lemon loaf, brimming with bright citrus notes and tender crumb. Perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, this simple dessert promises to delight with its irresistible flavor you’ll savor slice after slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Lemon Flavoring:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center position and warming the oven to 325ºF (165ºC), ensuring an even baking environment.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture that will provide structure to the loaf.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and increases slightly in volume.
- Introduce eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, integrated base.
- Fold in the sour cream, carefully incorporating lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and lemon extract, which will infuse the batter with bright, citrusy notes.
- Gradually add the pre-sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix and potentially develop tough gluten strands.
- Transfer the batter into a meticulously greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface and consistent baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Once baked, allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes removal easier.
- Carefully loosen the edges using a thin knife, then invert the loaf onto a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
- Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and create an appetizing, glossy finish.
- Slice the lemon loaf and serve, enjoying the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining the loaf’s rich, tangy profile.
- Enhance zestiness by adding fresh lemon zest as a garnish just before serving, creating a bright, aromatic finish.
- Check doneness early using the toothpick test, as ovens vary and can cause uneven baking or dryness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg