Lemon Bread
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If you love simple, classic baked goods that don’t require anything fancy, this lemon bread recipe is going to be right up your alley. It’s light, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and finished with a tangy lemon glaze that really takes it over the top.
Lemon Bread
Lemon Bread
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This is one of those easy recipes that feels special enough for guests but simple enough to make on a random weekday.
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This lemon bread recipe comes together quickly using basic pantry staples, and the bright lemon flavor makes it perfect for spring, summer, or honestly anytime you’re craving something fresh and comforting. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or dessert — basically, there’s never a wrong time for a slice of lemon bread.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bread
- It’s incredibly easy to make — no mixer required
- Light and fluffy with just the right amount of lemon flavor
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
- Finished with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze that adds the perfect touch
If you’ve been searching for a dependable recipe lemon bread that isn’t dry or overly dense, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lemon Bread:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Egg
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze: Powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, heavy cream
Making the Lemon Bread
- Start by stirring together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix — that’s the key to keeping this lemon bread soft and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Lemon Glaze
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream. The glaze should be thick but still pourable. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
That glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and extra lemon flavor — it really completes this lemon bread recipe.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter
- You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for part of the milk for an extra-moist loaf
- This lemon bread freezes well, just wrap it tightly and freeze without the glaze
More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
- Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- See all our best quick bread recipes!
How to Make Lemon Bread
Lemon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Lemon Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg lightly whisked
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream until smooth and thick but pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon taste, add ½–1 teaspoon lemon extract to the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
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Other Awesome Lemon Recipes to Try
- Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe
- Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
- Easy Lemon Vinaigrette
- No Bake Lemon Pie Recipe
- Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
- Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
- See all our easy lemon recipes!
This lemon bread is one of those tried-and-true recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s simple, reliable, and full of bright lemon flavor without being overpowering. Whether you’re baking for your family or sharing with friends, this recipe lemon bread is always a hit. 🍋
Tools We Love
- Loaf pans – We love these basic loaf pans, especially because the flared ends make them easy to get in and out of the oven.
- Cooling rack – A good cooling rack is essential for baking!
- Bread knife – Using a serrated bread knife will get you the perfect slices every time.
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