Introduction
Lemon Dream Bread is the perfect treat to brighten your day. With its moist, tender crumb and vibrant lemon glaze, this loaf encapsulates the essence of sunny flavors. Ideal for weekend baking or as a heartfelt gift for loved ones, this delightful bread will have everyone asking for a second slice.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
230g all-purpose flour
150g granulated sugar
100ml milk
120ml vegetable oil
2 large eggs
60ml lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
100g powdered sugar (for glaze)
30ml lemon juice (for glaze)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice.
9. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
10. Slice and enjoy your Lemon Dream Bread!
This Lemon Dream Bread is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to share joy with friends and family. Enjoy baking and indulging in this citrusy delight!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Step 7: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After this, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with the lemon juice until smooth.
Step 9: Glaze the Bread
Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to enhance the flavor.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Slice the Lemon Dream Bread and enjoy this delightful treat!
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover Lemon Dream Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to add poppy seeds or use a mix of lemon and orange juice for a citrus twist.
Gifting
This bread makes a great gift. Consider wrapping it in parchment paper and tying it with twine for a charming presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Lemon Dream Bread with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert option.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Lemon Dream Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Refrigeration
If you want to extend the shelf life, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Again, ensure it’s well-wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, Lemon Dream Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Dream Bread is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for added richness. You can also enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
For a brunch setting, slice it and serve it with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an elevated dessert option, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of lemon glaze.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (approximately 100g):
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Cholesterol: 35mg
– Sodium: 180mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 38g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 18g
– Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are missing some ingredients or want to modify your Lemon Dream Bread for dietary needs, consider these substitutions:
Flour
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Sugar
You can use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Milk
Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegetable Oil
Canola oil or melted coconut oil can replace vegetable oil, imparting their unique flavors.
Eggs
To make the recipe vegan, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
Lemon Juice & Zest
If fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice works as a substitute, though fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for consistent flavor and texture in the bread.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, which helps the bread rise properly.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so be gentle and aim for a few lumps remaining in the batter.
Baking the Bread
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 50-60 minutes. Checking for doneness with a toothpick is crucial; it should come out clean from the center when the bread is done.
Cooling and Glazing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps set the texture and prevents sogginess. Drizzle with lemon glaze once fully cooled for the best presentation and flavor enhancement.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How should I store Lemon Dream Bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze Lemon Dream Bread?
Yes, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute with other oils like canola oil or melted coconut oil. Applesauce can also be used for a healthier alternative.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and oil. A suitable egg replacement is 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
Conclusion
Lemon Dream Bread is a burst of sunshine in every slice. Its moist texture and refreshing flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it as a thoughtful gift. Easy to make and packed with zesty goodness, this delightful bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Lemon Bread
Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a sweet and tangy twist to the classic Lemon Dream Bread.
Poppy Seed Lemon Bread
Incorporate poppy seeds into the batter for an added crunch and texture, enhancing the lemon flavor.
Lemon Coconut Bread
Mix in shredded coconut to create a tropical variation that complements the lemon beautifully.
Chocolate Lemon Bread
Swirl in dark chocolate chunks for an indulgent contrast against the citrus brightness of the lemon.
Glazed Lemon Muffins
Transform the bread recipe into delicious muffins, baked for a shorter time and topped with the same lemon glaze.
Lemon Almond Bread
Add almond extract and sliced almonds to the batter for a nutty flavor that pairs well with the lemon.
Raspberry Lemon Bread
Fold in fresh raspberries for a tart and sweet combination, creating a visually stunning and flavorful bread.
Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
Use the same flavor profile to create fluffy pancakes, suitable for breakfast or brunch.
Lemon Cream Cheese Spread
Make a lemon-infused cream cheese spread to serve alongside the bread for added richness and flavor.
Herbal Lemon Tea
Pair your Lemon Dream Bread with a soothing herbal lemon tea for a refreshing beverage that complements the bread perfectly.