Lemon Bread

Glazed Lemon Loaf Bread is a sweet, creamy, and delicious recipe that is easy to make and the perfect sweet treat to enjoy anytime.

When life gives you lemons you can make lemonade or some tasty lemon bread.

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make This Lemon Bread Recipe
• Storage
• Lemon Bread: Frequently Asked Questions
• More Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Eggs - Help to bind all of the ingredients together and contributes to the texture and structure of the bread.
2. Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon flavor in the bread. May also use pure cane sugar.
3. Greek Yogurt - Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture in the bread.
4. Vegetable Oil - Provides moisture and richness to the bread.
5. Lemon Zest - The finely grated outer layer of the lemon peel adds intense lemon flavor and aroma to the bread.
6. Lemon Extract - Enhances the overall lemon flavor and aroma of the bread.
7. All-Purpose Flour - Used as the base for the lemon bread and is needed to give it great structure and texture.
8. Baking Powder - Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise and become light and fluffy. Be sure to check the expiration date on the package before using it to make sure it has not expired.
9. Salt - Enhances the overall flavor of the lemon bread and balances the sweetness. I prefer to use kosher salt when baking.
10. Powdered Sugar - Helps to create the thin and sweet glaze that tops the bread and adds another layer of sugary flavor. Also known as confectioners sugar.
11. Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to infuse the bread with its signature tangy and citrusy flavor. Opt to use freshly squeezed lemon juice or the bottle version that contains 100% lemon juice for best results.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make This Lemon Bread Recipe

Begin the bread recipe by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add the large eggs, plain Greek yogurt, and granulated sugar. Stir using a wooden spoon or make things easier by using a hand mixer. Mix until combined. Add the oil and continue mixing to combine.

Add the lemon zest, and lemon extract, and mix until combined. Add the flour mixture and stir until all of the ingredients come together, then stop. You do not want to overmix the bread mixture. It's fine if the mixture is still slightly lumpy.

Carefully pour the bread mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to smooth out the top of the mixture in an even layer.

Place into the oven to bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with little to no crumbs. Once finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it time to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 to 20 minutes before completely removing it from the pan on the rack to finish cooling.

While the bread cools, prepare the glaze topping. In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Evenly drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon bread. Allow it time to set for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to serve. Enjoy!

Storage

Allow the bread time to cool completely before storing. Place the lemon load in an airtight container, cover it with aluminum foil, or place it in a plastic storage bag. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer to store it in the refrigerator, then you may do that as well and it will keep slightly longer.

To freeze lemon loaf bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly in the freezer, the lemon bread can last for about 2 to 3 months.

Remember to thaw the frozen lemon bread at room temperature before serving. You can refresh the bread by warming it slightly in the oven on low heat, microwave, or air fryer if desired.

Lemon Bread: Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemon bread a quick bread?

Yes, lemon bread is considered a type of quick bread. Quick breads are bread-like baked goods that are leavened using baking powder and/or baking soda instead of yeast. They're called "quick" because they can be made relatively quickly compared to traditional yeast bread. They don't require the time-consuming process of yeast fermentation and rising.

Why did my lemon bread sink in the middle?

If your lemon bread sinks in the middle while baking, there could be a few possible reasons. It could be overmixing, underbaking, expired baking powder, the oven temperature being too high, or the ratio of the wet to dry ingredients might be off.

Keep in mind that some slight sinking may occur naturally due to lemon bread being quite dense, but it should not be completely caved in.

Can you substitute lemon juice for lemon extract?

Yes, you can in the same unit of measure. However, keep in mind the flavor intensity, acidic content, and liquid content may be off. It will also result in a slightly different flavor profile. For this particular recipe, try not to substitute if you can help it.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Lemon Blueberry Bread
• Lemonade Pie
• Lemon Lush
• Sun Drop Pound Cake

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Lemon Bread Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

Recipe

Original post date 10/21/2015. Updated 05/12/2023.