Lemon bread with glaze is the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. This simple yet delicious dessert combines the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemon with the sweetness of a buttery sugar glaze. Whether served as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. The secret to its appeal lies in the easy-to-follow instructions and the irresistible lemon sugar glaze that takes it to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bread with Glaze
This lemon bread with glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of lemon juice, zest, and a buttery glaze. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare. The glaze, poured while the bread is still warm, soaks right into the loaf, making every bite a burst of lemony goodness. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a sweet treat, this recipe brings a little sunshine to your day.
Ingredients for Lemon Bread with Glaze
To create this delicious lemon bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
- Milk: Helps to create a soft texture in the bread.
- Lemon Juice: Adds that fresh, tangy citrus flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Enhances the lemon flavor, giving it an aromatic kick.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise to perfection.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the taste.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand or need to make substitutions, here are some alternatives:
- Almond Milk: Swap the regular milk for almond milk to make it dairy-free.
- Coconut Sugar: For a healthier alternative, use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Bread with Glaze
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and prepare a standard loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light, tender bread.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While the bread is baking, make the glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until the sugar dissolves completely and the glaze is smooth.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to sit in the pan for a few minutes. Slowly pour the hot glaze over the warm bread. Tilt the pan if necessary to ensure the glaze soaks into the bread.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Once cool enough to touch, run a knife around the edges to loosen the bread. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lemon Bread with Glaze
- Ensure the Bread is Warm: For the best results, make sure the bread is still warm when you pour the glaze over it. This allows the glaze to absorb into the bread, creating a moist, flavorful treat.
- Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures vary, check the bread after 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for the fluffiest texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While this lemon bread with glaze is delicious on its own, you can elevate the experience with a few simple additions:
- Lemon Curd: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, top a slice of bread with homemade lemon curd.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Tea or Coffee: Pair this lemon bread with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Make-Ahead Tips
This lemon bread stores beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy this delicious treat whenever you like.
Why This Lemon Bread with Glaze is a Must-Try
Lemon bread with glaze is not just another quick bread recipe. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest, along with the sweet buttery glaze, creates a moist and flavorful bread that will make you look forward to every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Conclusion
Lemon bread with glaze is a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a great way to enjoy the brightness of lemon in a comforting, moist bread. The addition of the hot lemon glaze transforms it into a refreshing dessert or snack that everyone will love. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just enjoy it as an afternoon treat, this lemon bread with glaze is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice for this lemon bread?
While fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread and glaze. Freshly grated lemon zest also helps elevate the citrus notes in this recipe.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this lemon bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, such as the baking powder and milk, are gluten-free as well. This simple swap ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
3. Can I make this lemon bread ahead of time?
Yes! This lemon bread can be made ahead of time. Once it’s completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw and glaze before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of glaze for this recipe?
While the hot lemon sugar glaze is what makes this recipe so special, you can experiment with other glazes, such as a powdered sugar-based glaze or even a cream cheese glaze for a richer, tangy topping. However, the buttery lemon glaze is the key to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Lemon Bread with Glaze – 5-Minute Recipe for a Perfect Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious lemon bread with a buttery sugar glaze that combines bright citrus flavors and moist texture, perfect as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and prepare a standard loaf pan.
- Cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Stir in milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare glaze by combining sugar, lemon juice, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in short intervals, stirring until sugar dissolves and glaze is smooth.
- Remove bread from oven and let sit for a few minutes.
- Slowly pour hot glaze over warm bread, tilting pan to soak glaze evenly.
- Cool bread in pan for 20 minutes, then loosen edges and transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Glaze the bread while still warm for best absorption and moist texture. Avoid overmixing batter to keep bread light and tender. Substitute almond milk or gluten-free flour for dietary needs. Store wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days or freeze slices up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
