Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of sunshine – a bread so incredibly moist, so perfectly tangy, that it transforms an ordinary day into a culinary celebration. This Unforgettable Lemon Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like a citrus paradise. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the bread tough.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides.
- Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your unforgettable lemon bread!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting lemons, only remove the bright yellow outer layer. The white pith underneath can make your bread bitter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely wet.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
- Storage Tip: Keep your lemon bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make it Extra Special: For an added burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top of the glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg