Lemon Pepper Bread: A Bright Springtime Delight
This delightful Lemon Pepper Bread captures the essence of spring with its sweet yet zesty flavor profile, making it an ideal accompaniment for seafood dishes and fresh vegetable meals that celebrate the season. With a bright, lemony taste that dances on your palate and a heavenly texture that is simply divine when slathered with real butter, this quick bread has become one of my personal favorites, adapted from the beloved Silver Palate cookbooks. While the original recipe calls for chives to add a hint of onion flavor, I opted to leave them out, allowing the citrus notes to shine through without competition. If you’re curious about the original version, it requires a modest 1/4 cup of snipped fresh chives.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3738.3 |
| Total Fat | 216.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 129 g |
| Cholesterol | 1368.2 mg |
| Sodium | 3324.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 379.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g |
| Sugars | 71.2 g |
| Protein | 74.5 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Eggs | 4 (separated) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/3 cup |
| Lemons (zest of) | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 4 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 cup |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This initial step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, contributing to a tender texture.
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Incorporate Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to ensure that each yolk is fully integrated, creating a smooth batter.
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Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, infusing the batter with a vibrant citrus flavor that is both refreshing and uplifting.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and black pepper. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in one-third of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. After this, add one-third cup of milk and mix until just combined. Continue alternating between the remaining milk and flour mixture until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix as this could lead to a dense bread.
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Whip Egg Whites: In another bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This step adds airiness to your bread, making it light and fluffy.
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Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate the mixture. This technique is essential for achieving that desirable airy texture.
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Prepare the Pan: Pour the batter into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the bread has set perfectly.
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Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the bread release from the pan more easily. Afterward, carefully remove the bread and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Lemon Pepper Bread once it has cooled, and serve it warm with a generous spread of butter. This bread pairs exceptionally well with seafood or fresh spring vegetable dishes, adding a delightful zest to any meal.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite dish, this Lemon Pepper Bread is sure to brighten your table and tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and let the refreshing flavors of lemon and pepper elevate your dining experience this spring!
