Glazed Lemon Bread Recipe

Introduction

If you’re in search of a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus zing, look no further than glazed lemon bread. This classic baked good is a favorite among lemon enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. With its moist crumb and tangy glaze, glazed lemon bread is a versatile delight that can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of making this mouthwatering bread, provide serving suggestions, and answer commonly asked questions. Let’s dive into the world of glazed lemon bread and discover why it’s a recipe that deserves to be in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

To create this delectable glazed lemon bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your own glazed lemon bread:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs
   Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
6. Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
   Gently stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This will infuse the batter with a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.
7. Pour Batter into Loaf Pan
   Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake
   Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Prepare the Glaze
   While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and has a pourable consistency.
10. Glaze the Bread
    Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your food can help you make informed dietary choices. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one slice of glazed lemon bread (based on approximately 12 slices per loaf):

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Bread

Glazed lemon bread is a versatile treat that can be served in various delightful ways, enhancing its appeal for different occasions and audiences. Here are several comprehensive suggestions to elevate your serving experience:

Breakfast

Start your day on a bright note by enjoying a slice of glazed lemon bread alongside your morning coffee or tea. The sweet and tangy flavors of the bread complement the robust notes of coffee beautifully, creating a harmonious balance. For an extra touch, consider toasting the bread slightly to enhance its texture, allowing the glaze to caramelize just a bit. You can also add a thin spread of cream cheese or mascarpone to each slice for a creamy contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few fresh berries for added freshness and visual appeal.

Brunch

Glazed lemon bread shines at brunch, where it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to create a light and refreshing spread. Serve it alongside a colorful fruit salad, featuring seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, which will not only complement the citrus notes but also add a vibrant pop of color to your table. For a more indulgent option, consider pairing it with homemade yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with granola. The creaminess of the yogurt and the crunch of the granola contrast beautifully with the soft bread, making for a satisfying and balanced brunch choice. Additionally, consider serving a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or a citrus-infused sparkling water, to enhance the overall experience.

Dessert

Transform your glazed lemon bread into a delectable dessert by serving it with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy textures and sweet flavors create a delightful contrast with the zesty bread, making each bite a heavenly experience. For an elevated presentation, consider warming the bread slightly before serving, allowing the ice cream to melt just a bit, creating a luscious sauce. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or toasted coconut for added texture and flavor. To enhance the dessert even further, drizzle a homemade lemon syrup or a berry compote over the top, introducing additional layers of flavor that will impress your guests.

Snack

Glazed lemon bread makes for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up, ideal for pairing with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. The bright flavors of the lemon bread can invigorate your senses, making it an excellent choice for a mid-day snack. For a more substantial option, consider serving it as part of a light afternoon tea spread, accompanied by an assortment of other pastries and finger sandwiches. You can also create a simple platter featuring sliced bread, a variety of cheeses, and some savory crackers, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the lemon bread. If you’re entertaining, don’t hesitate to add a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers as a garnish, adding an elegant touch to your snack presentation.

By tailoring the serving suggestions of glazed lemon bread to different occasions, you can enhance its versatility and elevate the dining experience for you and your guests. Whether it’s a casual breakfast, a festive brunch, a sumptuous dessert, or a delightful snack, glazed lemon bread is sure to be a hit in any setting.

Additional Tips

Baking is both an art and a science, and the details can make a significant difference in the outcome of your bread. Here are some additional tips to elevate your baking experience and ensure delicious results every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for achieving a smooth and homogenous batter. When butter and eggs are at room temperature, they incorporate more easily into the mixture, resulting in a batter that is smoother and more cohesive. This is especially important for recipes that require creaming butter and sugar. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter, which may affect the texture of the final product. To bring butter to room temperature quickly, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For eggs, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes before using.

Zesting Lemons

Zesting lemons adds a bright, aromatic flavor to your bread, but it’s essential to do it correctly to avoid the bitter taste of the pith. A microplane or fine grater is the best tool for this task, as it allows you to remove only the thin outer layer of the lemon peel, which contains the flavorful oils. When zesting, be sure to rotate the lemon as you zest to avoid grating too deep into the fruit. A light hand is key; only zest until you see the yellow skin and stop before reaching the white pith underneath. If you accidentally zest too much pith, you can balance the flavor by adjusting the sugar in your recipe, but it’s best to avoid it altogether for the most pleasant taste.

Testing for Doneness

Ensuring your bread is perfectly baked is crucial, and testing for doneness is a simple yet effective method. After the recommended baking time, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your bread is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, return the bread to the oven and continue baking, checking every few minutes. Another indicator of doneness is the bread’s color; it should be golden brown, and if you gently tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. These methods combined will help you achieve that perfect loaf every time.

Cooling the Bread

Patience is key when it comes to cooling your bread. Allowing it to cool completely before glazing is essential for a few reasons. First, if the bread is too warm, the glaze will melt into the bread, resulting in a less attractive presentation and a soggy texture. Second, a properly cooled loaf will retain its shape better when you apply the glaze, allowing for a more even distribution. To cool the bread, remove it from the baking pan and place it on a wire rack. This promotes airflow around the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Storage Tips

Proper storage extends the shelf life of your baked goods and ensures they remain fresh and delicious. Once the bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This method helps retain moisture without making the crust soggy. If you want to keep the bread for a longer period, consider refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to a week. For even longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or toast the slices straight from the freezer, which can add a delightful crunch.

By paying attention to these additional tips, you can enhance your baking skills and create delicious, perfectly baked bread that is sure to impress. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Whole wheat flour tends to produce a denser loaf.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I freeze glazed lemon bread?
Yes, glazed lemon bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I do if my glaze is too thin or thick?
If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time.

Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?
Certainly! Adding poppy seeds can enhance the texture and flavor. Simply fold in 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter before baking.

Conclusion

Glazed lemon bread is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that encapsulates the essence of sunny flavor and comfort. Its bright, zesty taste makes it a perfect companion for a variety of occasions, from casual afternoon tea to festive celebrations. The combination of a moist, tender crumb and a sweet-tart glaze creates a harmonious balance that awakens the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

For both seasoned bakers and novices alike, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to hone your baking skills while enjoying the therapeutic process of creating something delicious from scratch. The straightforward instructions are designed to guide you seamlessly through each step, making the experience enjoyable and approachable. As you measure, mix, and bake, you’ll not only be crafting a delectable treat but also engaging in a fulfilling activity that can bring a sense of accomplishment.

What truly sets glazed lemon bread apart is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast option, served with coffee as a delightful snack, or even presented as a thoughtful homemade gift. The bright lemon flavor can also be complemented with various additions—such as poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or blueberries for a fruity twist—allowing you to personalize the recipe to suit your taste.

Moreover, the process of glazing the bread adds an extra layer of satisfaction. The glossy finish enhances the visual appeal, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table. As you pour the tangy glaze over the warm bread, it seeps into the cracks, infusing every bite with that irresistible citrus tang.

As you gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this baking journey, remember that the joy of making glazed lemon bread extends beyond just the final product. It’s about the moments spent in the kitchen, the enticing aromas wafting through your home, and the smiles shared with loved ones as you all savor each delicious slice.

So, whether you’re baking solo, involving the kids for a fun family activity, or impressing guests with a homemade treat, glazed lemon bread promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor. Embrace the process, delight in the flavors, and most importantly, have fun baking! Happy baking!

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