Lemon Bread Recipe: If you’re someone who enjoys that perfect blend of sweet and tangy, lemon bread is a dream come true. It’s a moist, buttery loaf infused with real lemon juice and zest, topped off with a zingy lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of brightness. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, afternoon snack, or a sweet treat with your tea, this lemon bread recipe is easy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Lemon bread offers a delightful alternative to heavier desserts. Its refreshing citrus flavor can brighten even the dullest day, and the ease of preparation makes it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. So let’s dive into this foolproof, step-by-step lemon bread recipe that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bread
Tangy and Sweet Perfection
What makes this lemon bread a crowd-pleaser is its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The lemon zest brings intense citrus notes, while the sugar and glaze mellow it out, creating a harmony of flavors in every bite. Unlike overly sugary cakes, this bread offers a bright pop that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Moist Texture That Melts in Your Mouth
The texture of this bread is another standout. Thanks to the use of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the batter, every slice comes out ultra-moist and fluffy. It’s tender without being crumbly, dense without feeling heavy—a balance that’s tough to strike but absolutely worth it. Each bite literally melts in your mouth, making it hard to stop at just one slice.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s get our ingredients lined up before we dive into the baking process. Using fresh ingredients, especially lemon, makes a massive difference in flavor.
For the Bread
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: poppy seeds or blueberries
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Optional: more lemon zest for extra zing
Equipment You’ll Need
To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack
- Zester or microplane
- Toothpick (for doneness testing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious lemon bread. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You don’t want your perfect lemon bread sticking to the pan after all that hard work!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps your bread rise properly without lumps. Set this bowl aside while you prep the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes using a hand mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Now stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The mixture might look a little curdled—don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Step 4: Fold and Pour
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to dense bread. Just stir until everything is just combined. If you’re adding poppy seeds or blueberries, fold them in now.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with your spatula.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 45-minute mark. Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
How to Make the Lemon Glaze
The lemon glaze is the crowning glory of this delightful bread, adding a burst of citrusy sweetness that complements the moist crumb perfectly. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and elevates the overall flavor profile of the loaf.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. If it’s too thick, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker glaze that sits atop the bread, use less lemon juice. For a thinner glaze that seeps into the loaf, use more lemon juice. Adjust according to your preference.
- Apply the Glaze: Once the lemon bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze.
Tips:
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too runny.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the glaze.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bread
Achieving the perfect lemon bread involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured every time.
1. Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide a vibrant, natural flavor that bottled juice can’t match. The zest contains essential oils that intensify the lemony aroma and taste.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and sour cream (or yogurt) are at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother batter, leading to a more tender crumb.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense and tough loaf.
4. Proper Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
5. Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bread for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
6. Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart.
7. Glazing: Wait until the bread is completely cool before applying the glaze. This ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt into the bread.
Variations and Add-Ins
While classic lemon bread is delightful on its own, you can experiment with various add-ins and variations to suit your taste preferences.
1. Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a subtle crunch and a classic flavor combination.
2. Lemon Blueberry Bread: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before adding to prevent discoloration of the batter.
3. Lemon Raspberry Bread: Similar to the blueberry variation, fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries for a tart and sweet twist.
4. Glazed Lemon Loaf with Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the glaze for added texture and a nutty flavor.
5. Lemon Coconut Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair.
6. Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture with 4 oz of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 egg. Layer half the lemon batter in the pan, add the cream cheese mixture, then top with the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife before baking.
7. Gluten-Free Lemon Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
8. Vegan Lemon Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based yogurt, and substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking!
Storing and Freezing Tips
Proper storage ensures that your lemon bread remains moist and flavorful for days. Here’s how to store and freeze your loaf effectively.
Storing:
- At Room Temperature: Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep in mind that refrigeration can sometimes dry out baked goods, so ensure it’s well-wrapped.
Freezing:
- Whole Loaf: Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Sliced: Slice the cooled loaf and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to thaw individual portions as needed.
Tips:
- If you plan to glaze the bread, do so after thawing to maintain the glaze’s texture and appearance.
- To refresh the bread, warm it slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a straightforward recipe, certain pitfalls can affect the outcome of your lemon bread. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a dense and tough loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Incorrect Measuring: Using too much flour can make the bread dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
3. Not Using Fresh Lemons: Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons. Always opt for fresh juice and zest.
4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can affect the bread’s texture and doneness. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
5. Removing the Bread Too Early: Taking the bread out of the pan too soon can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Glazing a Warm Loaf: Applying glaze to a warm loaf can cause it to melt and become too runny. Wait until the bread has cooled completely.
By being mindful of these common errors, you can ensure a successful and delicious lemon bread every time.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and drinks. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, gifting it during the holidays, or enjoying it solo with your favorite beverage, here are some fun and tasty ways to elevate your lemon bread experience.
1. With Beverages:
- Tea or Coffee: Lemon bread’s citrus notes pair wonderfully with black tea, green tea, or a bold coffee. Try it with Earl Grey or a latte for an indulgent combo.
- Iced Drinks: A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade brings out the brightness in the lemon flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
2. As a Dessert Plate:
- Whipped Cream and Berries: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing treat.
3. Breakfast or Brunch Table:
- With Yogurt and Honey: A slice of lemon bread served with a side of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey makes for a sweet breakfast or brunch option.
- Toasted with Butter: Slightly toast a slice and spread with butter or lemon curd for an extra zesty flavor.
4. Holiday Presentation:
- Gifting: Wrap individual slices or mini loaves in decorative parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and gift during holidays or special occasions.
- Buffet Style: Cut into thin slices and display on a platter with other baked goods like scones, muffins, and mini quiches.
Presentation matters—consider garnishing with a sprig of mint, a few curls of lemon zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar for that bakery-quality finish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect in terms of nutrition per slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf). Note that values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290-320 |
| Total Fat | 13-15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40-42g |
| Sugars | 24-26g |
| Protein | 4-5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 10-15% DV |
To make it healthier:
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Cut back on sugar or use a sugar substitute.
This makes it more diet-friendly while still retaining its signature taste.
FAQs about Lemon Bread Recipe
1. Can I make lemon bread without a mixer?
Yes! You can use a whisk and a strong arm to cream the butter and sugar. It may take a bit more effort, but it works just as well.
2. What’s the best substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat) is the best substitute for sour cream. It provides the same creaminess and tang that helps keep the bread moist.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just avoid sweetened or concentrated lemon juices.
4. Why is my lemon bread dense?
This usually happens due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to mix just until combined and measure your ingredients accurately.
5. How long does lemon bread last?
Lemon bread lasts 2–3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, and about 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to baking the most delicious, moist, and tangy lemon bread right at home. With its vibrant citrus flavor, tender crumb, and a glaze that brings everything together, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, lemon bread delivers flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction in every slice.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it classic or jazz it up with berries, poppy seeds, or a luscious cream cheese swirl. Store it for later, freeze it for emergencies, or wrap it up as a heartfelt gift. This lemon bread recipe checks every box—easy, delicious, and irresistibly zesty.
So next time you crave something sweet but refreshing, whip out this recipe and let the citrus magic begin!
