Zesty Homemade Lemon Bread Recipe for Sweet-Tart Bakers

Sunshine bursts through every slice of this zesty lemon bread that promises pure delight.

Bright citrus notes dance across a tender crumb, creating a perfectly balanced treat.

The simple ingredients blend into a moist, fragrant loaf that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Each bite carries a refreshing tang that awakens your senses and brings a sparkle to your day.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with ease.

Fresh lemons become the star, infusing the bread with incredible aroma and vibrant flavor.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible quick bread that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients That Go Into Lemon Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and backbone to the bread, ensuring a tender crumb and perfect texture.
• Baking Powder: Magical rising agent that helps the bread become light and fluffy with a soft, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown exterior with delightful caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bread's rich, moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread incredibly soft and prevents it from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and ensures an ultra-moist, tender crumb.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty citrus flavor and helps activate the baking powder.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds vibrant, concentrated lemon essence.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and rounds out the bread's complex flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, silky glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps create the perfect drizzling consistency.

What You’ll Need To Bake Lemon Bread

• Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for baking bread with perfect shape and even cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small Bowl: Used for preparing the lemon glaze.
• Toothpick: Helps test bread's doneness.
• Spatula: Useful for smoothing batter and scraping bowls.

Instructions For Lemon Bread That Turns Out Right

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature. Prepare a loaf pan with a light coating of grease and flour, ensuring the lemon bread will slide out effortlessly.

• Mixing Magic

In a spacious bowl, blend sugar and eggs into a silky smooth mixture. Introduce lemon’s vibrant essence with fresh juice and zesty peel, creating a fragrant base that hints at the delightful bread to come.

• Flour Power

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a delicate touch to combine, allowing the ingredients to dance together without becoming tough or overmixed.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into the waiting pan, smoothing the surface with care. Let the oven work its magic, transforming the liquid mixture into a golden, aromatic loaf. Watch carefully, covering with foil if the top browns too quickly.

• Cooling Moment

Allow the bread to rest first in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Patience is key as the bread settles and develops its full flavor profile.

• Zesty Finale

Create a tangy glaze that will make taste buds dance. Drizzle the bright, lemony coating over the completely cooled bread, letting it cascade down the sides in delicious rivers of sweetness.

Flavor Additions For A Unique Lemon Bread Twist

• Zesty Baking Hacks: Elevate Your Lemon Bread Game
• Citrus Boost: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor that'll make your bread sing with brightness.
• Moisture Magic: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to maintain the bread's rich texture while adding a subtle tangy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to keep the bread's structure perfect.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or poppy seeds before baking to introduce a delightful texture and nutty undertone.
• Vegan Transformation: Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap sour cream with coconut yogurt for a completely plant-based version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ways To Present And Serve Lemon Bread

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this lemon bread with a light Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a refreshing morning meal that brightens up your breakfast table.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the bread thin and serve alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon treat that complements the citrusy flavors.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform the bread into a simple dessert by topping each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest, making it an elegant finish to any dinner.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon, creating a homemade gift that spreads joy and showcases your baking skills.

Storage Suggestions For Fresh-Tasting Lemon Bread

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store your lemon bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and fresh flavor.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the bread before freezing, placing wax paper between each slice for easy individual serving. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep the bread covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 2-3 days if planning to consume quickly. Ensure the storage area is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lemon bread batter a day before baking and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows flavors to develop and can save preparation time when entertaining or hosting breakfast gatherings.

Sunny Lemon Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sunshine-infused lemon bread brings zesty delight to classic quick bread lovers. Moist crumb and tangy glaze make this simple recipe perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper to ensure easy bread removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform base. Set aside this powdery mixture.
3. Wet Mixture: Whisk sugar and eggs until pale and creamy. Blend in vegetable oil, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth.
4. Combine Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Allow slight lumps for a tender crumb texture.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.
6. Monitoring: Cover with aluminum foil if top browns too quickly during the final baking stage. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
7. Cooling: Rest bread in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Glaze Finish: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, drizzling glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
9. Serving: Once bread is completely cooled, drizzle lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let glaze set briefly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Flour Precision: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumpy texture and ensure smooth, even distribution of baking powder and salt throughout the batter.
• Mixing Technique: Whisk wet ingredients vigorously until pale and creamy, creating a light, airy base that contributes to the bread’s tender crumb.
• Gentle Folding: Incorporate dry ingredients using minimal strokes to avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough, dense bread. Small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
• Baking Timing: Watch for rapid browning and use aluminum foil tent to protect the bread’s surface, preventing excessive darkening while ensuring complete internal cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg