Title: Brighten Your Day with this Zesty Lemon Loaf Delight
Time Allocation:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Introduction
Here’s a delightful recipe to perk up your day – the Zesty Lemon Loaf. This heavenly bake is perfect for a refreshing afternoon snack or that get-together you have been planning. It’s time to add some tanginess to your day!
Why Make This Recipe
The Zesty Lemon Loaf is an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet cravings. It strikes the perfect balance between tanginess and sweetness. Moreover, it’s loaded with the refreshing aroma of lemons, which not only makes you feel refreshed but also adds an interesting note to this baked delight.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Loaf Delight
Before you start with the recipe, gather your ingredients. This ensures a seamless baking experience. The ingredients you need are:
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– Zest of 2 lemons
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 2-3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
Directions:
1. Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Then, beat butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the lemon zest and juice.
6. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add this mix and the milk to your wet ingredients.
7. Pour this batter into your loaf pan and bake it for 45-50 minutes.
8. Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack for complete cooling.
9. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pour over the cooled loaf.
How to Serve Zesty Lemon Loaf
Serve your Lemon Loaf at room temperature, either as a dessert or alongside your evening tea or coffee.
How to Store Zesty Lemon Loaf
To store your Lemon Loaf, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Tips to Make Zesty Lemon Loaf
1. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the baking process.
2. Do not over mix your dough as it can result in a tougher loaf.
3. While baking, if the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Variations
For a different flavor profile, consider topping your loaf with cream cheese frosting. Or, add poppy seeds to your batter before baking for a little crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I Substitute the Lemons with Other Citrus Fruits?
Yes, you can replace lemons with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a different flavor.
2. How Can I Tell If My Loaf Is Fully Baked?
You can do a simple toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, your loaf is done.
3. What If My Glaze Is Too Thick or Thin?
If your glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.