There’s something magical about the smell of a lemon loaf baking in the oven. The sweet, citrusy aroma fills every corner of the house, wrapping you in warmth and comfort. For me, this lemon loaf is more than just a recipe – it’s a piece of my childhood. I remember coming home from school to the scent of freshly baked lemon loaf drifting through the kitchen. My mom would have a warm slice waiting for me – soft, moist, and soaked with a tangy lemon drizzle. It was the perfect after-school treat.
Today, I’m sharing that same cherished recipe – simple, delicious, and full of nostalgic joy.
Lemon Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
Batter:
80ml Butter, room temperature
250ml Caster Sugar
2 Eggs, Large
450ml All-purpose Flour
5ml Baking Powder
2ml Salt
125ml Milk
Zest of 1 Lemon
5ml Lemon essence
Drizzle:
125ml Caster Sugar
60ml Fresh lemon Juice
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)
Grease a 25x10x7 cm loaf tin and set it aside.
Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon essence until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
Bake on the middle rack of your oven for 40–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
👩🍳 Baker’s Tip: If the top of the loaf starts browning too quickly but the inside isn’t fully baked yet, loosely cover it with a piece of tin foil. This helps prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.
Prepare the Drizzle:
While the loaf is baking, gently heat the lemon juice and caster sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
Finishing Touch:
As soon as the loaf comes out of the oven, slowly pour the warm lemon drizzle over it. Make sure the entire surface is covered – the loaf will soak up the syrup beautifully, adding that signature tangy finish.
Allow the loaf to cool in the tin. Once cooled, carefully remove and slice.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this lemon loaf with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect mid-day pick-me-up. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch or a sweet gift for someone special.
Whether you’re making it for your family or just for yourself, this loaf brings the kind of comfort only home baking can provide. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too – just like it was in mine.
Happy baking! 💛
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