Lemon Bread

Lemon Bread Recipe - Easy-to-Make and Perfect for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lemon bread is a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of fresh lemon with the sweetness of sugar and butter. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

The origins of lemon bread are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. Lemon has long been a popular flavor in baking, and this bread is a delicious way to enjoy the bright and refreshing taste of citrus.

Ingredients

Bread

1.75 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1.5 cups sugar
1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 tbsp (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup regular or low-fat/skimmed milk
finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Glaze

0.25 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature.
Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat it to 350°F (177°C).
Grease the pan and dust it with flour, removing any excess.
To make the bread, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set it aside.
Place the sugar in a separate bowl. If using a vanilla bean, cut it in half lengthwise with a paring knife. Otherwise, add a fresh dash of vanilla extract to the main ingredients.
Using the tip of the knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl.
Rub the seeds into the sugar with your fingers to break up any clumps. Add the butter, eggs, milk, and lemon zest. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
Add the flour mixture to the bowl and stir just until blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the glaze by combining the sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.
Tap the pan gently on a work surface to loosen the bread.
Place a baking sheet over a wire rack, invert the pan onto the rack, and lift off the pan.
Turn the loaf over and use a pastry brush to apply the glaze to the top and sides of the bread. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon poppy seed bread.
Drizzle with a lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor in this recipe.

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure even baking.

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread.

- Use a toothpick to test for doneness - it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lemon bread warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or breakfast treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to grease and flour the pan to prevent the bread from sticking.

- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lemon bread on a decorative platter with fresh lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon bread pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover lemon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lemon bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lemon bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lemon bread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lemon bread contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon bread is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, eggs) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Lemon bread is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Lemon bread is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With its bright and tangy flavor, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a beautiful sunny day in the spring, and I was walking through the local farmer's market when a kind elderly woman handed me a small piece of Lemon Bread to try. The moment that sweet, tangy flavor touched my lips, I knew I had to have the recipe.

I asked the woman where she had learned to make such a delicious treat, and she smiled warmly at me. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations and that she was happy to share it with me. I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap piece of paper, thanking her profusely before heading home to give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together, I could almost feel the presence of the generations of women who had made this bread before me. The scent of fresh lemons filled my kitchen, and I could hear the laughter and chatter of my ancestors as they worked together to create this beloved recipe.

After baking the bread to perfection, I anxiously sliced into it and took a bite. The flavor was even better than I remembered from the farmer's market. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a moist and tender crumb that melted in my mouth. I knew then that this Lemon Bread would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a little extra lemon zest for a more intense flavor, or a handful of poppy seeds for a little crunch. But no matter how I choose to customize it, the essence of the original recipe remains the same.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it on to the next generation just as it was passed down to me. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating it, and the joy it brings to those who taste it.

One of my fondest memories of making Lemon Bread was when my granddaughter came to visit me for the first time. She was just a little girl, full of curiosity and wonder, and I knew that sharing this recipe with her would be a special moment.

We spent the afternoon in the kitchen together, mixing and measuring, laughing and talking. I showed her how to zest a lemon and squeeze the juice, how to carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet, and how to pour the batter into the loaf pan just so.

As we waited for the bread to bake, my granddaughter sat at the kitchen table, swinging her feet and asking me questions about the recipe and where it came from. I told her all about the kind woman at the farmer's market, and the generations of women who had made this bread before us. I could see the wonder in her eyes as she listened, and I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in her heart as well.

When the bread was finally done, we pulled it out of the oven and let it cool before slicing into it. My granddaughter took a bite and her face lit up with delight. "It's delicious, Grandma!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.

And in that moment, I knew that this recipe had once again worked its magic, bringing us together and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Just like the generations before me, I had passed down a piece of myself to my granddaughter through this simple, yet extraordinary Lemon Bread.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the kind woman at the farmer's market, for my ancestors who passed down this beloved recipe, and for the joy and love it continues to bring to me and my family.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little sunshine and sweetness in your life, I urge you to try this recipe for Lemon Bread. Let the flavors transport you to a time and a place where love and tradition come together in perfect harmony. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing it down to your own loved ones, just as I have done with mine.