Bright & Zesty Lemon Loaf 🍋

A bright and zesty lemon loaf recipe, perfect for a delightful homemade treat. This recipe features a tender crumb, infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, and finished with a lemon simple syrup and a sweet glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 5

Servings 10 slices

Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

9x5 inch loaf pan
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Small Saucepan
Pastry Brush

Ingredients

For the Lemon Loaf

1 1/8 cup Granulated Sugar
3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest from 2-3 large lemons
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter softened
1/4 cup Neutral Oil like canola or avocado
3 Large Eggs at room temperature
2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
0.5 tsp Lemon Extract use 1/2 to 1 tsp
1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/3 cup Plain Greek Yogurt or full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
1/3 cup Milk whole or low-fat, at room temperature

For the Lemon Simple Syrup

1/4 cup Water
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
0.5 Lemon Juice of

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup Powdered Sugar sifted
2 tbsp Milk whole or low-fat
2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions

Let's Make the Loaf:
1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides – this makes lifting your delicious loaf out super easy!
2. Lemon Infusion: In a large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer), combine the granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar for about 30 seconds. This simple trick releases all those lovely lemon oils, making your loaf extra flavorful!
3. Creamy Base: Add the softened butter and neutral oil to the lemon sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
4. Eggs & Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until fully combined.
5. Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, quickly whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine Gently: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the Greek yogurt and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined – be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your loaf tender and moist!
7. Bake It Up: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it's browning too fast, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
8. Cool Down (Partially): Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes while you whip up the simple syrup.
Whip Up the Lemon Simple Syrup:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the water and granulated sugar to a boil. Let it simmer for just one minute until the sugar dissolves.
2. Take it off the heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon.
3. Syrup Time: While your loaf is still warm, use a pastry brush to generously coat the top with this lemon simple syrup. Brush several times for maximum lemon goodness! Let the loaf cool completely before glazing.
Finish with the Zesty Glaze:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and shiny. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice or milk; if it's too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar. It should be thick enough to drizzle but still pourable.
2. Drizzle & Set: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the beautiful glaze evenly over the top. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set before slicing and enjoying!

Notes

This Bright & Zesty Lemon Loaf is a perfect homemade treat for citrus lovers. Enjoy it as a dessert or a snack!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 295 kcal
Total Carbs: 45g
Net Carbs: 44g
Fats: 12g
Protein: 6g

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