Introducing a delightful treat straight from the oven of lovewithrecipes.com – Lemon Nut Bread! This recipe falls under the category of Quick Breads, making it a perfect choice for those times when you crave something freshly baked but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Packed with the zesty flavor of lemons and the crunchy goodness of walnuts, this bread is a guaranteed hit for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight at home or a festive Christmas gathering. And guess what? You can whip up this scrumptious loaf in less than 4 hours, including prep and bake time, making it an ideal option for busy bees craving a homemade treat.
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Lemon Nut Bread a star on your table. You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 3/4 cup of margarine
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 eggs
- Rind of 2 lemons
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
Now, onto the exciting part – the recipe itself! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Lemon Nut Bread:
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Begin by creaming together the butter or margarine with the sugar until the mixture reaches a light and fluffy consistency. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture in your bread.
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Once the butter and sugar are nicely creamed, it’s time to add in the eggs and the shredded lemon peel. Incorporate them into the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that everything is well combined.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Be sure to mix well after each addition, ensuring that there are no lumps in the batter.
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Once the batter is smooth and well combined, it’s time to fold in the chopped walnuts. These will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your bread, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.
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Transfer the batter into a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
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Pop the loaf pan into a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the Lemon Nut Bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to set slightly before you remove it from the pan.
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After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the bread from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that air circulates around the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy as it cools.
Now, all that’s left to do is slice yourself a generous portion of this delectable Lemon Nut Bread and savor every bite! Whether enjoyed as a midday snack, a breakfast treat, or a dessert, this bread is sure to brighten your day with its tangy lemon flavor and satisfying crunch from the walnuts. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two) of homemade goodness – you deserve it! 🍋🥖