The Most Moist Lemon Loaf 🍋
The Most Moist Lemon Loaf
Lemon loaves are a classic treat, but this one is truly special. Hammie Approved! 🍋
Lemon loaves are a classic treat, but this one is truly special. It's packed with a punch of fresh lemon flavor and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to forget. What makes it stand out? The thoughtful combination of a few key ingredients that work together to create a soft, tender, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
Even my little one, Hammie, couldn’t help but devour it. When a toddler keeps sneaking extra slices, you know you’ve hit the jackpot! So, let’s dive into what makes this loaf irresistible.
The Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Eggs: Eggs add richness and structure to the loaf. They help bind everything together, contributing to a light yet tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and enhances the tangy lemon flavor, balancing the sour notes with a delicate sweetness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This is what gives the loaf its super-moist texture. Sour cream (or yogurt) provides a slight tang that complements the lemon zest and extract.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the loaf moist without making it heavy. It ensures a tender crumb that stays soft even after a day or two.
Lemon Zest: The zest is where the bright, bold lemon flavor comes from. It’s aromatic and brings out the citrusy notes in every bite.
Lemon Extract: This intensifies the lemon flavor. Adjust to your taste, depending on how bold you want the lemon to be!
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the loaf, flour gives the loaf its body, while still keeping it soft and fluffy.
Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise evenly, giving it that perfect, bakery-style dome shape.
Salt: A little salt brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Lemon Glaze
Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, it’s smooth and sweet, creating that delicate coating that makes the loaf even more delicious.
Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the sugar, creating a glossy glaze that’s perfect for drizzling.
Recipe: Ultra-Moist Lemon Loaf 🍋
Now that we know what makes each ingredient essential, let’s jump into the actual recipe! This version includes measurements in both cups and grams/ml to make it easier for everyone to follow.
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (240 grams) sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (120 ml) canola or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon extract
1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze:
1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mixing until fully combined.
Stir in the oil, lemon zest, and lemon extract.
Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.
Enjoy! 🍋💛
xx, mc
