Description
Soft, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor, The Best Lemon Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every slice. This moist lemon bread features fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a smooth lemon glaze that creates a bakery-style finish right at home. Whether you need a quick breakfast, easy dessert, brunch centerpiece, snack, or comforting homemade treat, this easy recipe delivers fresh flavor and a tender texture every time. Perfect for breakfast ideas, afternoon coffee breaks, dessert tables, or simple food ideas for gatherings, this lemon loaf stays moist for days and tastes even better after resting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk or buttermilk and mix gently.
7. Fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until combined.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
10. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create the glaze.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.
13. Slice and serve.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the loaf soft and tender.
Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing so the icing stays thick and visible on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon loaf, lemon bread, easy dessert, quick breakfast, brunch ideas, bakery style loaf, homemade lemon cake, moist lemon loaf, easy baking recipe