This Glazed Lemon Loaf is a stunning quick bread that marries moist, tender crumb with vibrant citrus notes. The subtle tang of fresh lemon zest and juice shines through every bite, while the sweet glaze adds a glossy finish and an extra burst of lemony sweetness. It’s an irresistible balance that makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a centerpiece for afternoon tea.
What makes this loaf especially delightful is its simplicity and speed — no need for fancy equipment or complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and drizzle. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a bright, fresh treat that can be customized with add-ins like poppy seeds or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ve got a slice of sunshine on your plate.
Full Recipe:
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1 1/2 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
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1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
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Zest of 2 lemons
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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While the loaf cools, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a thick but pourable glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
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Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm loaf. Let it set before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 280 kcal per slice (assuming 12 slices) | Servings: 12 slices
The Joy of Baking a Glazed Lemon Loaf
There’s something uniquely comforting and satisfying about baking a simple loaf of quick bread at home. The Glazed Lemon Loaf is one of those timeless classics that never goes out of style. It combines the fresh brightness of lemon with the ease of a quick bread, resulting in a loaf that is moist, tender, and bursting with citrus flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking but wants something straightforward and delicious without the fuss of complicated techniques or exotic ingredients.
Why Choose a Quick Bread?
Quick breads are a wonderful category of baked goods because they don’t require yeast or long rising times. Instead, they rely on baking powder or baking soda to rise, which means you can mix up the batter and have a warm, fresh loaf from the oven in under an hour. The Glazed Lemon Loaf fits perfectly into this category, offering all the pleasure of a cake-like dessert with the rustic charm of a loaf. It’s ideal for last-minute guests, afternoon tea, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee.
The Brightness of Lemon in Baking
Lemon is a classic flavor in baking because it imparts a fresh, clean, and slightly tangy note that balances sweetness perfectly. In this loaf, the lemon zest provides an aromatic, almost floral note, while the lemon juice adds just enough acidity to brighten the whole batter. This combination helps to elevate the flavor, making each bite lively and refreshing. The glaze, made from powdered sugar and lemon juice, creates a sweet and tart finish that perfectly complements the soft crumb.
Texture and Moisture: What Makes This Loaf Special?
One of the standout qualities of this Glazed Lemon Loaf is its incredibly moist texture. Thanks to the use of oil instead of butter, and buttermilk which adds acidity and tenderness, the crumb stays soft and moist for several days after baking. Unlike some quick breads that can dry out quickly, this loaf holds onto its moisture beautifully, making it a pleasure to eat even as leftovers. The oil keeps the crumb tender without the richness that butter sometimes adds, which allows the lemon flavor to really shine through.
Versatility and Customization
Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. While it’s delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to your own taste or dietary preferences. For example, you could add poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and a classic lemon-poppyseed combination. A handful of fresh blueberries can add bursts of sweetness and color. You might also experiment with different glazes—try a cream cheese frosting for a richer, dessert-like twist or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
If you need to make the loaf vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk with lemon juice to mimic the buttermilk’s acidity. This adaptability makes the Glazed Lemon Loaf suitable for a wide range of eaters and occasions.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Glazed Lemon Loaf
This lemon loaf is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving occasions. It works wonderfully as a breakfast treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea, giving your morning a bright, fresh start. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at brunches, potlucks, or afternoon tea parties. Its elegant yet simple presentation makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift to friends and family.
Because it’s a quick bread, it’s also a great choice for bakers who want a fast, satisfying project without the wait times associated with yeast breads. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a lazy weekend or even a busy weekday when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.
The Science Behind the Ingredients
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in mastering this loaf and gives insight into why it’s so successful.
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Flour: All-purpose flour is the base providing structure. The right amount ensures the loaf is firm enough to slice but still tender.
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Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents make the loaf rise quickly, creating a light and airy texture without waiting for yeast fermentation.
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Sugar: It sweetens the bread and also helps with moisture retention and browning.
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Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and stability to the batter.
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Buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create lift and adds moisture and tenderness.
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Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the crumb moist and tender without the firmness that butter sometimes causes.
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Lemon Zest and Juice: Provide natural flavor and brightness.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the citrus notes.
The glaze is a simple mix of powdered sugar and lemon juice, which hardens slightly on the loaf’s surface, creating a shiny, tangy-sweet finish.
Tips for Perfecting Your Glazed Lemon Loaf
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Do not overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making the bread tough rather than tender.
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Use fresh lemons: Freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice make a significant difference in flavor compared to bottled lemon juice or dried zest.
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Check doneness carefully: Oven times can vary. Start checking your loaf about 50 minutes into baking by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool before glazing: Allow the loaf to cool partially before adding the glaze so the sugar mixture sets nicely without melting into the loaf.
Storage and Shelf Life
This lemon loaf keeps well at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. It also freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then re-glaze if desired.
Nutritional Considerations
While this loaf is a sweet treat, it can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The lemon zest and juice add a boost of vitamin C, and the use of buttermilk introduces a slight tang without excessive fat. Using vegetable oil rather than butter reduces saturated fat content slightly. For those watching sugar intake, the glaze can be thinned or skipped altogether.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Have in Your Baking Repertoire
The Glazed Lemon Loaf is a true all-rounder. It requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, making it accessible for most home bakers. It’s quick to prepare and yields a loaf with bright flavor, moist texture, and a beautiful glaze that impresses visually and on the palate.
It’s a perfect recipe for beginner bakers to build confidence, and also beloved by seasoned cooks for its classic, dependable results. It invites creativity through add-ins or variations, making it endlessly adaptable while remaining consistently delicious.
Conclusion
The Glazed Lemon Loaf is more than just a quick bread—it’s a delightful experience in every slice. From the moment you zest fresh lemons to the first sweet bite of the tangy glaze, this loaf embodies simple, bright, and satisfying baking. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting breakfast, a charming snack, or a lovely dessert, it always hits the right note of freshness and sweetness.
Its ease of preparation, versatility, and universally appealing flavor make it a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again. Once you try baking this lemon loaf, it’s likely to become a favorite in your home, bringing that little burst of sunshine whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.
Enjoy the process of baking, sharing, and savoring this wonderful lemon loaf—the perfect blend of simple ingredients and bright, joyful flavor.