Description
Zesty lemon loaf dances with bright citrus notes, offering a refreshing slice of sunshine. Moist crumbs and sweet glaze invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic teatime treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Lemon Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon zest (from approximately 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract (not lemon oil)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1.75 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325°F (165°C) and generously coating a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry foundation for the loaf.
- Utilize an electric mixer to transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, aerated mixture, ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
- Introduce eggs individually to the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Fold in sour cream, vibrant lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and aromatic lemon extract, blending until the mixture appears silky and unified.
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent developing a tough texture.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a flexible spatula for an even bake.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a thin skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully extract and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and melted butter until achieving a luxurious, pourable consistency.
- Once the loaf reaches room temperature, cascade the glaze over the surface, allowing it to elegantly drape down the sides.
- Slice and serve the zesty, tender lemon loaf, reveling in its bright, sophisticated flavor profile.
Notes
- Zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright yellow outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even mixing.
- Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the loaf.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg