If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart, look no further than Ray's Lemon Bread Jeff! This scrumptious loaf is not just a recipe; it’s a slice of sunshine that will brighten your day with every bite. With its zesty lemon flavor and moist texture, this bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the joy of baking your very own lemon bread that will have everyone asking 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 salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the lemon bread after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended and free of lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Once the batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the lemon bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For added flavor, you can prepare a simple lemon glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled lemon bread before slicing.
- Slice the lemon bread and serve it as a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon in every bite!
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for the flour if possible!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for zest and juice. The natural oils in the zest will enhance the lemony aroma and taste of your bread.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your lemon bread a few minutes before the 50-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Make It Extra Special: Consider adding poppy seeds or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor. A lemon glaze on top will also elevate your bread to a whole new level!
- Store Properly: To keep your lemon bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
