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Easy Moist Lemon Loaf

Easy Moist Lemon Loaf
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The Easy Moist Lemon Loaf is a simple, deliciously tender cake bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this loaf offers a perfectly moist texture with a bright citrus flavor, making it a versatile treat suitable for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup sugar (or honey for honey-sweetened variation)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • ½ cup milk or buttermilk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for lemon poppy seed variation)
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (for blueberry boost variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Zest and juice your lemons carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith for best flavor.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light in color, which creates air pockets to help the loaf rise.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and milk, combining gently to evenly distribute flavors.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixes: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid a dense crumb.
  6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden with a slight spring.
  7. Cool and Glaze: Allow the loaf to cool completely before optionally glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice for added shine and citrus flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth blending and uniform texture.
  • Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best vibrant citrus flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter; stir only until ingredients are combined to keep the loaf tender.
  • Start testing the loaf with a toothpick a few minutes before the timer to avoid overbaking.
  • Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon loaf, moist lemon cake, citrus bread, easy lemon dessert, gluten-free lemon loaf, dairy-free lemon cake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/easy-moist-lemon-loaf/