Introducing a delightful recipe straight from the heart of lovewithrecipes.com – the Glazed Lemon Loaf! This heavenly creation is not only a breeze to make but promises a burst of lemony goodness in every bite. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite, loved by both kids and adults alike. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of only 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe falls under the category of quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Glazed Lemon Loaf a star in its own right. You’ll need 1 cup of sugar to add just the right amount of sweetness, complemented by the zest of one lemon, which infuses the loaf with a vibrant citrus flavor. Butter, the unsung hero of many baked goods, lends its richness and creaminess to this recipe, while 2 eggs provide structure and moisture. For the dry ingredients, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder to ensure a tender crumb, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
To bring everything together, you’ll also need 1 cup of milk, which adds moisture and tenderness to the loaf, ensuring it stays soft and fluffy. And let’s not forget the glaze – a simple yet irresistible blend of lemon juice and sugar that takes this loaf to the next level. With these basic ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to bring this Glazed Lemon Loaf to life. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and toasty for baking. While the oven works its magic, cream together the sugar and butter until smooth and creamy, a step that sets the foundation for a tender and moist loaf. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Now, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients into the mix. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This technique ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents overmixing, which can result in a tough loaf. Once the batter is smooth and well combined, gently fold in the lemon zest, infusing the loaf with its bright and tangy flavor.
Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the loaf bakes, prepare the glaze by blending together lemon juice and sugar until smooth and glossy.
When the loaf is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the glaze over the hot loaf, allowing it to soak in and create a tantalizingly sweet and tangy crust. Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice into thick, generous slices and serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. With its tender crumb, zesty lemon flavor, and irresistible glaze, this Glazed Lemon Loaf is sure to brighten up even the dreariest of days. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and share the love with friends and family. After all, as they say, cooking is love made visible.
