Lemon Loaf

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup milk room temperature

Lemon Glaze (optional):

  • 1/2 cup icing sugar sifted
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C) .
  • Grease and flour (or use non-stick spray) a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
  • Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Stir in lemon zest. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl (of stand mixer) beat butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
  • Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add eggs, one at a time. Make sure you scrape the bottom of your bowl.
  • Add lemon juice (the batter will curdle).
  • Alternate addition of flour and milk (in 2 additions). Mix on low speed until combined. Do not over mix.
  • If using add-ins, combine gently at this point.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 60-75 minutes until golden and cake tester comes out clean.
  • Transfer pan to a rack where it can cool down for about 10 minutes before removing loaf to cool down completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Tips, Tricks and Recipe Notes:

  • Ensure oven is preheated to the right temperature.
  • Take out the milk, eggs and butter 30-60 minutes before starting.
  • Cream the softened butter, then slowly add the sugar until light and fluffy.This step takes at least 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time and properly beat after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the bowl during this process.
  • Reduce the speed to low when adding the flour and milk. DO NOT OVER MIX.
  • Lemon zest is an ingredient in this recipe. This is the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon peel. Use a micro-plane or a box grater for grating. Make sure you only grate the yellow part as the white pith is extremely bitter.
  • Make this lemon dessert your own by adding slivered almonds (½ cup) or poppy seeds (2 tablespoons).

Source