Easy Lemon Bread Recipe with Glaze Icing

Name: Easy Lemon Bread Recipe with Glaze Icing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: Lemon Bread Ingredients:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup (8 ounces) plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; Glaze Topping Ingredients:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Published: Jun 5, 2023 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

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This Easy Lemon Bread Recipe with Glaze Icing is a great recipe for lemon lovers. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in a quick bread. An easy recipe made with simple ingredients.

Are you craving even more tangy and delicious lemon desserts? Then be sure to try making Lemon Blueberry Bread, a Sun Drop Pound Cake Recipe or Lemonade Pie.

overhead view of finished bread on parchment paper

This easy lemon loaf recipe is my new favorite obsession!

It's a delicious quick bread that comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples. Plus it's topped with a simple glaze that really takes it over the top and adds another layer of sweet and yummy flavor.

Trust me if you love lemon recipes such as lemon cake or lemon muffins, then this glazed lemon bread is a great option. Be sure to save this recipe for later and be prepared to enjoy a slice or two for breakfast with coffee or your afternoon tea. Plus it gets even better the next day.

Let's get started!

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Ingredients You'll Need
How to Make The Best Lemon Loaf
Storage
Lemon Bread: Frequently Asked Questions
More Lemon Recipes You'll Love
📖 Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

overhead view of ingredients needed to make bread in separate bowls on marble surface

Eggs - Helps to bind all of the ingredients together and contribute to the texture and structure of the bread. The recipe begins by adding room temperature eggs to a large bowl and whisking them.
Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon flavor in the lemon bread. May also use pure cane sugar.
Greek Yogurt - Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture and moist crumb to the bread. May substitute sour cream in the same unit of measure.
Vegetable Oil - Provides moisture and richness to the bread. May use melted butter instead if you prefer.
Lemon Zest - The finely grated outer layer of the lemon peel adds intense fresh lemon flavor and aroma to the bread.
Lemon Extract - Enhances the overall bright lemon flavor and taste of the bread.
All-Purpose Flour - Used as the base for the lemon bread and is needed to give it great structure and texture.
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.
Salt - Enhances the overall flavor of the lemon bread and balances the sweetness. I prefer to use kosher salt when baking.
Powdered Sugar - Helps to create the thin and sweet lemon glaze that tops the bread and adds another layer of sugary flavor. Also known as confectioners sugar.
Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice is used to help make the simple lemon glaze and infuse the bread with its signature tangy flavor. Opt to use freshly squeezed lemon juice from fresh lemons or a bottle of 100% lemon juice for best results.

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

How to Make The Best Lemon Loaf

Begin the loaf of bread 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 wet ingredients. The large eggs, plain Greek yogurt, and granulated sugar. Stir using a wooden spoon or make things easier using a hand mixer. Mix until combined. Add the vegetable oil and continue mixing to combine.

wet ingredients needed to make bread combined in glass mixing bowl with whisk

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 slightly lumpy.

flour mixture added to glass mixing bowl with other ingredients and whisk

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

lemon bread mixture added to parchment lined loaf pan

Place into the oven to bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the bread comes out with little to no crumbs.

Once finished baking, carefully remove the loaf of lemon bread 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.

baked bread in parchment lined loaf pan on marble surface

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!

close up front view of cut bread on parchment paper

Storage

Allow the bread time to cool completely before storing. Place the lemon bread 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 bread recipes 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 dense lemon bread, 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 it if you can help it.

slice of lemon bread on white plate beside fork

More Lemon Recipes You'll Love

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

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