Description
Zesty lemon loaf tempts taste buds with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and delicate crumb. Quick bread lovers will savor moist, tangy slices perfect for afternoon tea or morning indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups / 360 ml all-purpose flour
- 1 cup / 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3.4 oz / 96 g instant lemon pudding mix
- 0.5 cup / 120 ml vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup / 180 ml plain Greek yogurt
- 0.33 cup / 80 ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon extract
- 2 tbsps butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 3 tbsps butter, softened
- 3 tbsps lemon juice
- 1.5 cups / 180 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 5×9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, thoroughly spraying with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Wet Ingredient Blending: Utilize an electric mixer to blend eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and yogurt until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- Batter Assembly: Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding in lemon zest during the final mixing to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 50-55 minutes. Rotate the pan midway through cooking and verify doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
- Cooling and Resting: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 8-10 minutes to stabilize its structure, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk softened butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, spreadable glaze consistency.
- Finishing Touch: Generously spread the lemon glaze over the cooled loaf, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Measure with Precision: Use exact measurements for ingredients to guarantee consistent texture and flavor every time.
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs, butter, and yogurt are at room temperature for smoother batter and better mixing.
- Zest Technique: Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, adding maximum citrus flavor without unwanted bitterness.
- Pan Preparation Tip: Properly line and spray the pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy loaf removal without breaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg