Best Homemade Lemon Bread, a delicious moist, Lemon Loaf Recipe. Made with fresh lemons and a simple lemon glaze. The perfect snack, dessert or even Breakfast Bread.
Homemade Lemon Bread
Now that I cookie baked myself out, I thought there’s more to Christmas than just cookies and bars. So I want to share one of the most delicious and requested quick breads I have ever eaten or made.
Be sure to watch the Video!
How to make Lemon Bread
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and a portion of the sugar.
- Then add the softened butter and mix until you have a coarse crumb mixture.
- Stir in the lemon zest.
- In another bowl beat the eggs slightly then add the milk and mix until combined.
- Pour into the flour mixture and stir just until combined (about 18 stirs)
- Pour into loaf pan and bake for approximately 1 – 1 1/4 hours.
- Let cool completely before drizzling with the lemon syrup.
Lemon Bread. I love lemons. I love the smell of lemons, I love the taste of lemons, anything lemon is fine by me.
When I was a kid there was a lemon cologne we used to wear, I loved it, just wish I could find it again. This Easy Lemon Bread Recipe is a simple, easy and really good loaf that tastes so yummy.
It doesn’t even need a heavy icing because the light lemon syrup is the perfect finish. I can say I have been making this bread for over 20 years.
In my opinion it is the Best Lemon Bread Recipe Ever.
Every time I make this recipe I get asked for it, Lemon Loaf is one of my sister-in-law’s favourites.
I usually make two and take one to her, she tells me it sure doesn’t last long in their house. I can assure you it doesn’t last long in mine either.
Best Homemade Lemon Bread is perfect as a breakfast bread or even with afternoon tea. It is so easy to make, no need for beaters, it is very much like making muffins.
All you need is a pastry blender (I usually use a fork) and a fork or wooden spoon for mixing.
That delicious lemony glaze is the perfect addition to this loaf, no need for any kind of icing and the tangy sweet taste is just what you need. You know it and I know it. Just remember it’s Christmas, so eat now and worry about it later.
Lemon Bread
I think that is why I always adored Scarlet O’Hara, she had the right attitude, “Tomorrow is another day”. Enjoy!
More Lemon Recipes you may like.
Italian Fresh Cream Lemon Cake
Toasted Coconut Lemon Ice Cream
Best Homemade Lemon Bread
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest zest from 1 lemon
- 4 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (I used 1 medium lemon) 22 ml
- 2 1/4 cups flour 270 grams
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 7 1/2 grams
- 3/4 teaspoon salt 4 grams
- 1 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons sugar 276 grams
- 3/4 cup butter softened 170 grams
- 3 eggs (large)
- 3/4 cup milk I used 2%) 177 ml
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350° (180° celsius), grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and 1 1/4 cups sugar, add the softened butter and with a pastry blender blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the lemon zest.
- In a small bowl add eggs and beat lightly with a fork add milk and mix until combined, then pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until flour is moistened.
- In prepared loaf pan add the batter and bake for 1 - 1 1/4 hours (or until tooth pick comes out clean). Cool then move to a wire rack.
- In a small pot add 4 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar, over medium heat stirring constantly bring to a boil until thickened. With a pastry brush, brush syrup over the top of the bread. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Updated from December 13, 2014.
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Jodi says
Made this it was amazing and delicious. Full of robust flavor!
Rosemary says
Hi Jodi, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it.
Erna says
One word…. “delicious “!
Rosemary says
Thanks Erna, glad you enjoyed it.
Connie says
Like you, I love anything lemon. My mom used to make the most amazing lemon bread. Unfortunately, she never wrote it done, but yours sounds like it might be the same. Thank you for sharing this with us. Oh, and by the way, I remember the lemon scented cologne, it was one of my favorites also. It was made by Coty. Thank you again for sharing. Cheers, Connie.
Rosemary says
Hi Connie, thanks, I hope you enjoy the bread. And yes that was the perfume. Have a great week.
Cheri Thurgood says
I wear lemongrass scent I make myself and apply with roller ball applicator. 1 ounce carrier oil, I’ve used almond, jojoba or avocado, they have same outcome and drop in 5 to 10 drops essential oil- lemon eo would work great.
Rosemary says
Hi Cheri, thanks I am definitely going to try that. I was just thinking of a lemon sent again the other day. Have a great week.
Daisy says
My husband is originally from Sicily and he loved this lemon bread, thank you 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Daisy, thanks so glad he loves it. Have a great weekend.
Angela says
Thank you for posting this site for us, I love it 🥰 I have made this bread now two times. Someone on this site suggested lavender, so I went to my nearest spice shop and bought lavender and black poppy seeds. I made one loaf with lavender (2 Tbs.but this was a bit strong, 1 Tbs. works well) and used Ghee (instead of butter) and the other loaf I used poppy seeds (2 Tbs.) and regular butter. Have to say the ghee loaf with lavender won in my home (was a bit more moist). I used our 🍋 from our tree (Myers Lemons) and I use 1 whole juice of a smallish lemon in the batter, plus two grated lemons. We love ❤️ lemons 🍋
Now what is the trick for the topping? I can’t seem to get the sugar thickness down. First it was super runny, but then again, in my haste to make this, I flipped the recipe by accident, and added more lemon juice then sugar. The second time, I followed your receipt exactly and found it to be a bit runny again, but better consistency. When you heat up the sugar and lemon juice, do you boil/heat up slowly and let it cool or to cold? Do you flash heat it and then put it on the bread hot? It tastes really good, but doesn’t look thick like your pictures. Grazie!!
Happy lemons in Santa Rosa, Ca
Rosemary says
Hi Angela, thanks so much, I will have to try it with lavender too! I actually heat it so the sugar melts and thicken (but it doesn’t thicken that much) and let it cool and that seems to thicken it (not cold, more room temperature). hope that helps. 🙂
wey says
made this yesterday. i actually but 3/4 of 1 stick of butter but still turned out good. I should read instructions twice.lol! our oven seems to cook pretty fast so it was done by 50min and by 1hr- the crust was bit burned, but i don’t mind. not too sweet which is perfect! will bake it again this week=) is it ok to add a bit of lemon juice to the batter?
Rosemary says
Hi Wey, thanks, so glad you enjoyed it and I don’t think there would be a problem with adding a little lemon juice to the batter.:)
Adrienne says
The cologne you’re thinking of is probably Love’s Fresh, which is now discontinued. HOWEVER, if you do a google, amazon, ebay, etc. search and you can still come across it! Some of them are asking ridiculous prices, some are reasonable. Do check comments on each product and/or seller, though, for complaints of the product authenticity!
Rosemary says
Hi Adrienne, that’s right I remember it so well thanks.
Woody Ferrell says
This recipe is very similar to the one my grandmother made, we still have her recipe on a yellow note pad paper. One suggestion is to poke holes in the bread before you pour the lemon drizzle over it and it will seep down into the bread.
Rosemary says
Hi Woody, that’s a great idea, thanks. Have a great weekend.
Rindy Williams says
This a good tasting bread but I’m looking for a more ‘grainy’ texture the milk seems to make breads mitre creamy and that is Not what I’m looking for.
My mother had recipe years ago and she has passed with that that with her
Does any of your readers maybe have a bread more if I’m looking for that would be awesome
Thanks Rindy
Shelley says
This looks delicious ! I too remember lemon cologne . I think mine was by the same company that made Loves Baby Soft cologne
Rosemary says
Hi Shelley, thanks and yes I think it was the same company. 🙂
Linda Wordinger says
I just made this Lemon bread for our family reunion breakfast and it is DELICIOUS!! It was pretty easy to make, too.
Rosemary says
Hi Linda, thanks so much and glad it was enjoyed. Have a great week.
Doug says
Very good
Sharon says
It’s great and so versatile! I’ve made it three times in the past week (lots of lemons to use from the backyard). Everyone has loved it and several asked for the recipe. I added lemon juice, reduced the sugar and baked for 55 min. I also tried a divine lavender version with ground lavender and vanilla. Next I want to figure out how to make it green for St Patrick’s Day (green tea? lime?). Thanks for the recipe!
Rosemary says
Hi Sharon, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Great idea with the lavender. Have a great weekend.
Anne says
I made this on Saturday. So delicious and easy. Will definitely make it again.
Thank you Rosemary
Rosemary says
Hi Anne, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great week.
Chantal says
How about adding a level teaspoon of matcha powder.
Rosemary says
Hi Chantal, I have never used matcha powder so I can’t say. 🙂
Wendy McQuiston says
Going to try this tomorrow. Hope it’s good as all of the comments indicate.
If you Google lemon cologne, there are MANY to choose from!!
Rosemary says
Hi Wendy, I hope you enjoyed it. Yes I have to find a good one. Have a great weekend.
Jane Moore says
I made this bread yesterday. I found out I didn’t have a lemon so I used an orange instead. It was fabulous! My husband loved it and wants me to make another one today.
Jane in Sparta, MI
Rosemary says
Hi Jane, great idea and yes orange works well too. So glad you both enjoyed it. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Michelle says
So I somehow accidentally left the milk out of this recipe. Could have been the two screaming toddlers. Anyway, even though the cake doesn’t look as pretty as the picture, I can’t stop eating it! It is seriously amazing. I can’t wait to make it again (WITH the milk!). This is such a great recipe.
Rosemary says
Hi Michelle, well good to know it’s delicious even without the milk lol. And yeah toddlers can do that to you. I remember those days. Thanks so much have a great weekend. Rosemary
Julie G says
As a lover of all things lemon, this was great! Super easy to make and came out of the pan beautifully. I added a bit extra lemon zest to the batter but it’s the glaze that makes this so special. I’m going to try the other lemon recipes you have too. felice anno nuovo!
Rosemary says
Hi Julie, thanks so much. So glad you enjoyed it and let me know how the other Lemon recipes go. Happy New Year.
Mynda says
Aloha Rosemary,
I’ve pinned so many of your recipes lately but this one will be made tonight!
I remember that lemon cologne and loved it too — mahalo for the trip down memory lane!
Mynda
Rosemary says
Hi Mynda, thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy it. Let me know how it goes. Happy New Year.
Maryam says
Wish I could upload a picture! It turned out absolutely delicious! And I rarely eat my own desserts but this was quite a winner, thank you! The glaze I brought to a boil and removed from the heat about 30 seconds later and it was exactly right!
My loaf only needed 55 minutes at 350 but each oven is different 🙂
Thanks again Rose
Rosemary says
Hi Maryam so glad you like it. Have a wonderful Christmas. 🙂
Maryam says
Just made this loaf, its in the oven! I’m just wondering how long the glaze was mixed for, mine feels very sticky and thick, not sure if I over did it or not.
Also I added a touch of real vanillin i can’t bake without it when I use 3 eggs,
I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Maryam yes the glaze is sticky and thick, as long as you can pour it or just brush it on it’s good. Let me know how you like it.
Ellen Jennings says
OMG!! Rosemary!!
Without a word of a lie, this is totally awesome!! I made 2 loaves yesterday including the syrupy topping. Already gone, I’m making more! Totally love this recipe!! Even my husband said ‘really good’ as his usual response is, yeah, it’s ok.. Italian men! lol
Oh, and for those who don’t have a pastry cutter, I used 2 butter knives in a criss-cross sort of direction and turned out splendidly.
Rosemary says
Hi Ellen, thanks so much, so glad you both liked it. Haha Italian men is right! It’s pretty popular in our house too. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Katie says
The lemon bread turned out delicious! I wanted to surprise my husband this morning with a special treat and he agreed I made the right decision with your recipe.
Rosemary says
Hi Katie, thanks so much, so glad you both enjoyed it. Have a great day.
Janell Copello says
Can Almond Milk or any other kind of vegan option be used for this recipe?
Rosemary says
Hi Janell, unfortunately I have only made this Lemon Bread with regular milk so I can’t say that it would work with almond milk, but you could try and then let me know. 🙂
Laura says
Love this bread!! My kids ask me to make it all the time for their breakfast. The only thing I changed was the glaze. Attempted recipe, but didn’t care for it. Instead I used 1/2 c powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. I thought that was perfect. Great recipe.
Rosemary says
Hi Laura, so glad you and the your kids like it, and I like your idea for the glaze.
Bonnie Moss says
I made this for the first time last night and I absolutely love it!! I followed the recipe to the tee, baked for 65 minutes and it turned out beautifully! It’s moist and lemony and glaze is perfect. I was wondering if I could just add poppy seeds to it the next time to make a lemon-poppy seed loaf?? Thanks so much for sharing!
Cheers,
Bonnie
Rosemary says
Hi Bonnie, so glad you enjoyed it. I’m sure you could add poppy seeds, let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Betsy says
This sounds AMAZING! I’m following a ketosis diet,I wonder if I substitute flour with almond flour
Rosemary says
Hi Betsy, to tell the truth I have no idea, because I have only made the recipe with all purpose, I really don’t know almond flour. If you want to try it let me know how it turns out. 🙂
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Made this yesterday and had to hide it because I kept snagging a slice every time I passed by the kitchen! Will be making again in a week or so for my mom’s visit – it’s the perfect morning coffee treat!
Rosemary says
Hi April, haha happens to me all the time. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Andrea L says
I made this last night and it came out amazing. Everyone in my family loved it and devoured it.
Rosemary says
Hi Andrea, thanks so glad everyone liked it. 🙂
Adriana M says
Should I use the eggs and milk at room temperature?
I read that when you use softed butter all your ingredients should be at the same temperature. Thanks!
I can’t wait to try it
Rosemary says
Hi Adriana, oh that is interesting, but I just used the milk and eggs from the fridge and it works every time. But you could if you wanted to. Let me know how it turns out. Have a great weekend.
Adriana says
Omg!! Thank you sooooo much for this recipe and for your reply about the milk and eggs temperature. I did it your way. Milk and eggs from refrigerator. I just got a slice and it is soooo yummy. My new favorite lemon bread recipe. My son love it too!! Another question, for how many days can I leave the bread at room temperature?
Thank you sooo much
Rosemary says
Hi Adriana, I would say covered about 3 days, I usually keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to a week. Hope that helps.
Stephanie Newby says
I’m trying your Lemon bread. I love making different breads. My question is, can i freeze this bread with the lemon sauce on it or should i wait to i take it out of the freezer ,before i put the Lemon Glaze on it?
Rosemary says
Hi Stephanie, when I freeze it I do it without the glaze.
Tina Shetina says
Hi one of my nephews has recently fallen for anything lemon, so I’m trying your recipe this week.
Was the cologne Love’s Fresh Lemon? lol, I loved it, too!
Rosemary says
Hi Tina, I hope your nephew enjoys it and yes that was it! Have a wonderful Sunday.
CarolynM says
Hi–I’m new here. I’m not home so I can’t try out your delicious sounding lemon loaf but I too loved that cologne. In fact, I still have some left. It prob doesn’t have much smell now after all these years but I’ll try it when I get home – lol.
Rosemary says
Hi Carolyn, haha let me know I am always looking for new lemon colognes. 🙂
Carol from CT says
I wrote to the Vermont Country Store and asked them to find Love’s Fresh Lemon Cologne and sell it both in their catalog and in the 2 stores.
https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/
Rosemary says
Hi Carol, thanks, I hope they do that would be amazing. I was at the mall the other day with my husband and daughter and there was a Bitter Lemon perfume for sale, but I just wasn’t convinced. Haha, still on the look out.
Sarah says
Any idea how many mini loaves this recipe would make?
Rosemary says
Hi Sarah, depending on how small the mini loaves are, maybe 2 or 3?
Paula says
I have a mini loaf pan that has 8 slots, this recipe filled them 3/4 full, and the loaves were perfect miniatures of 4.80 oz each. Took about 23 minutes til clean toothpick test, though they didn’t brown on top. I doubled the glaze, as there was more surface area, and I brushed each loaf 3 times, while hot in the pan, then removed them, so they wouldn’t stick with glaze on them, to cool completely. This helped the glaze dry nicely without being sticky, when the loaves were completely cool. The lemon in the bread isn’t strong, though it is in the glaze, making a nice contrast in flavors.
Rosemary says
Hi Paula, so glad you enjoyed the recipe, and small loaves are a great idea. Have a great weekend.
Mbak Rabu says
I like quick and simple recipe, so I try this and turn out sooo good and tangy!
I used only 200 gr of sugar for double recipe and still taste sweet to me!
I definitely will make this super simple bread again!
Thanks for sharing!
Rosemary says
Hi Mbak thanks so much, no problem if you find it too sweet just as you say cut back on the sugar. Have a great weekend.
Elizabeth says
I just received a whole box of Meyer Lemons as a gift, do you think the flavor will be as good?
Rosemary says
Hi Elizabeth, lucky you! Unfortunately I have never had a Meyer Lemon, but I just read about them, and apparently they are sweeter than regular lemons, I think they would work fine although I might cut back a bit on the sugar depending on how sweet you find them. Let me know.
Monika says
This really is the best lemon bread <3 I love practically everything that has lemon in it and this perfect bread met all my expectations, the only thing I changed was the amount of sugar because I'm not a fan of food that is too sweet and 250 grams seemed like an overkill for me 🙂 I can't wait to try more of your recipes! Have a lovely day! (and thank you for using both grams and cups, very usefull!)
Rosemary says
Hi Monika, thanks so much, and sure less sugar won’t hurt :). Let me know what else you try. Have a great Sunday.
Josephine B says
Hi Rose, I’m in Sydney – Australia and you’ve got me salivating as I love anything and everything “LEMON”. This is on my “to do list” for this coming week also I’ve pinned it not only to my Recipes and Cake Baking boards, but I also have a “Lemon Lovelies” boards as lemons are my all-time favourite everything.
Rosemary says
Hi Josephine thanks, I have to agree I love anything Lemon too. And thanks so much for pinning, hope you enjoy it. Have a great weekend.