Name: Lemon Loaf Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

A slice of lemon loaf bread is like sunshine on a plate. Moist, dense, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, this classic treat brings together the zestiness of lemon and the sweetness of a soft glaze in perfect harmony. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon pick-me-up, or elegant dessert, it’s always the right time for lemon loaf.

The crumb is soft and tender, yet firm enough to slice beautifully. The zingy lemon glaze drips lovingly down the sides, adding just the right amount of extra sweetness. It’s a timeless bake that never fails to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf Bread

It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
The lemon flavor is bold and fresh thanks to zest and juice.
It stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.
Perfect for brunch, gifting, or snacking anytime.
No mixer needed!

What Kind of Lemons Should I Use?

Fresh lemons are the star here—you’ll need both zest and juice for maximum citrus impact. Look for bright yellow, firm lemons without blemishes. Meyer lemons can be used for a sweeter, less tangy variation, but regular lemons give that iconic punch of tartness.

Ingredients for the Lemon Loaf Bread

Each ingredient in this lemon loaf has a purpose—from the structure to the zesty flair:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the loaf.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the bread rise to perfection.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the citrus notes.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread while helping the lemon zest release its oils.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Adds that bold, fresh citrus flavor throughout.
Buttermilk: Keeps the loaf moist and adds a subtle tang.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender crumb that stays soft.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor without overpowering the lemon.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky finish when mixed with lemon juice.

How To Make the Lemon Loaf Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar with lemon zest until fragrant. Then add eggs, oil, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a glaze, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.

How to Serve and Store This Lemon Loaf Bread

This lemon loaf serves 8 to 10 slices, making it perfect for family breakfasts or a weekend brunch centerpiece. To serve, slice and enjoy as-is or with a cup of tea or coffee.

To store, wrap tightly in plastic or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the entire loaf wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag—it thaws beautifully.

What to Serve With Lemon Loaf Bread?

Fresh Berries

A handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a vibrant contrast.

Greek Yogurt

Serve a slice alongside a dollop of plain or honey-sweetened yogurt.

Herbal Tea

Chamomile or mint tea balances the tartness of the loaf.

Whipped Cream

Add a cloud of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Lemon Curd

Double the citrus with a smear of tangy lemon curd on each slice.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn it into dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Honey Butter

Spread a little homemade honey butter for a warm, cozy touch.

Toasted Almonds

Sprinkle some over the glaze for nutty texture.

Want More Bread and Loaf Ideas?

If this lemon loaf has your mouth watering, check out these other irresistible bakes:

Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread for a wholesome twist on a classic.
Magic Lemon Cobbler if you love that sweet lemony zing.
Nutella French Toast Casserole for the ultimate weekend breakfast treat.
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for savory brunch lovers.
Overnight Crème Brûlee French Toast when you want to wow guests with zero stress.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try extra zest or maybe a little almond extract? Any variations or glaze experiments?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life. Share your tips and twists below!

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