Quick & Zesty Lemon Bread Recipe: A Burst of Sunshine

Bright zesty lemon bread wafts memories of sunny afternoons and grandmother’s kitchen.

Soft crumbs promise a delightful experience waiting to unfold.

Cutting into a slice that radiates citrusy warmth and comfort.

Every bite carries whispers of tangy sweetness that dance across your palate.

Fragrant and moist, this recipe speaks to simple pleasnings that make home cooking magical.

Rich with pure ingredients and straightforward technique, the bread invites you to create something wonderfully delectable.

You’ll want to slice, savor, and share this lemony treasure with everyone around you.

What You’ll Use To Bake Lemon Bread

• Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Sugar, Eggs: Create sweetness and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft.
• Sour Cream: Provides richness and tender crumb to the bread.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Gives bright, citrusy flavor and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the bread.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates a tangy and sweet topping that adds extra flavor and shine to the bread.

What Makes Lemon Bread So Good

• Burst of Citrusy Sunshine: This lemon bread delivers a vibrant, zesty flavor that instantly brightens your mood with its refreshing lemon-packed profile.
• Effortlessly Elegant Baking: The recipe offers a simple, straightforward method that even novice bakers can master, creating a professional-looking dessert with minimal culinary skills.
• Perfectly Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of sour cream and vegetable oil ensures a supremely soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal go-to recipe for any occasion.

How To Prepare Lemon Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it some love by greasing it up or lining it with parchment paper for an easy escape.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Set this powdery mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Sunshine

• Whisk sugar and eggs until they become best friends
• Pour in vegetable oil
• Add sour cream
• Squeeze in fresh lemon juice
• Sprinkle lemon zest
• Splash of vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Unite the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and don’t go crazy with mixing – a few lumps are totally okay! Think of it like a delicate dance.

Step 5: Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Pro tip: If the top starts getting too golden, use aluminum foil as a protective shield during the last stretch.

Step 6: Cooling Down

Once out of the oven, let the bread chill in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Lemony Glaze Magic

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice

Adjust the consistency to your liking – more sugar for thickness, more juice to make it runny.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Drizzle that zesty glaze all over the cooled bread. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your citrusy creation!

Smart Baking Tips For Lemon Bread

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum lemon flavor without bitter white pith, ensuring your bread bursts with bright citrus notes.
• Prevent Sinking Syndrome: Toss dry ingredients with a tablespoon of flour before mixing to help prevent ingredients from sinking during baking, creating an evenly textured bread.
• Moisture Magic: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option that maintains the bread's rich, tender crumb and tangy undertone.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the bread's soft texture and prevent crumbling.
• Make-Ahead Masterstroke: Wrap the cooled lemon bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its delightful flavor.

Keep Lemon Bread Fresh And Moist

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lemon bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the bread away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate lemon flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen lemon bread can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes. For best texture, avoid overheating to prevent drying out the bread.
• Revive Texture: If the bread seems slightly dry after storage, brush a light layer of lemon glaze or warm honey over the slice to add moisture and refresh the taste.

Tasty Pairings For Lemon Bread

• Brew Citrusy Tea Companion: Pair the tangy lemon bread with a hot chamomile or Earl Grey tea to complement its bright, zesty flavor profile. The subtle floral notes will enhance the bread's lemony essence without overpowering its delicate sweetness.
• Match with Fresh Dairy: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy vanilla yogurt to balance the bread's tartness. The smooth, rich dairy will soften the citrus punch and create a harmonious taste experience.
• Create a Breakfast Spread: Combine the lemon bread with a light cream cheese spread or a dollop of honey-sweetened mascarpone. These creamy additions will add depth and richness to each bite, making the bread feel more indulgent and satisfying.
• Elevate with Fruity Sides: Accompany the bread with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness will dance beautifully with the lemon's vibrant notes, creating a refreshing and balanced breakfast or dessert.

Lemon Bread Variations You Should Try

• Citrus Bliss Bread: Swap lemon juice with a mix of orange and grapefruit zest for a vibrant, multi-citrus flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to the classic recipe.
• Poppy Seed Punch: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for a delightful crunch and subtle nutty undertone that complements the bright lemon notes.
• Lavender Lemon Loaf: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender into the dry ingredients, creating an elegant, fragrant bread with a sophisticated herbal essence.
• Almond Citrus Fusion: Blend 1/2 cup of ground almonds into the flour mixture and top the glaze with sliced toasted almonds for a rich, nutty dimension that elevates the bread's texture and taste.

Popular Lemon Bread Questions

• What makes this lemon bread so special?

This lemon bread is packed with bright, zesty flavor from fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, creating a moist and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. The combination of sour cream and vegetable oil ensures an incredibly soft and tender texture.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same vibrant, natural taste that fresh lemons offer. The zest is especially important for intense lemon flavor.

• How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Overmixing can make the bread tough and dense. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking. Gentle mixing is key to keeping the bread light and tender.

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! This lemon bread is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Even novice bakers can successfully make this delicious treat with simple ingredients and basic mixing skills.

Lemon Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon bread delivers sunshine on a plate with zesty citrus notes dancing through each delectable slice. Moist crumb and tangy glaze promise a delightful treat that brings Mediterranean flavor straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

Enhancing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and a light dusting of flour, or line with parchment paper to ensure effortless bread removal.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base. Set aside this powdery mixture.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk sugar and eggs until they transform into a pale, creamy consistency. Incorporate vegetable oil, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform texture.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle, deliberate strokes. Mix until just combined, allowing a few small lumps to remain for a tender crumb texture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Carefully place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring the bread’s surface. If the top begins to brown too quickly, create a protective tent using aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.
7. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the bread’s center – it should emerge clean and dry. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
8. Gently transfer the bread to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to reach room temperature completely.
9. Prepare a tangy glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed to achieve the desired drizzling texture.
10. Once the bread has cooled entirely, generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender by adding xanthan gum.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content while maintaining the bread’s delightful tangy richness and soft crumb.
• Reduce sugar by replacing half with honey or maple syrup for a more complex flavor profile and lower glycemic impact.
• Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or lavender to the batter for an unexpected gourmet twist that complements the bright lemon notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg