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    Home » Recipes » Quick Breads

    Lemon Bread

    Published: Feb 24, 2025 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 14 Comments

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    Try this delicious and easy Lemon Bread recipe for a tasty treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this quick bread is bursting with flavor and will leave you craving more.

    sliced lemon loaf on a cutting board.

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    If you love quick breads, this old fashioned lemon bread is for you! Deliciously sweet and perfect with your morning cup of coffee, this bread is perfect for any lemon lover! Also check out my Southern Peach Bread and Better than Starbucks Banana Bread for more options!

    a slice of lemon quick bread on a white plate with a lemon wedge on top.

    Jump to:
    • Glazed Lemon Loaf
    • Why You’ll Love this simple Lemon Bread Recipe
    • Ingredients Notes to make Lemon Bread with Glaze
    • How to make Lemon Bread
    • Tips for Success
    • Storing Glazed Lemon Bread
    • More Quick Bread Recipes to try
    • Easy Lemon Quick Bread

    Glazed Lemon Loaf

    Have you ever had the Lemon Loaf from Starbucks? This lemon quick bread is similar, however, it is a bit more bread-like and not quite as dense/ cake-like in texture. To be honest, I prefer this homemade version because its moist, fluffy, and easy to make. Plus, it costs a fraction to make versus ordering a slice of bread. With a lemon glaze drizzled on top, this recipe combines both tangy and sweet flavors! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert options! My family loves to wrap these and give mini loaves out as gifts to friends, neighbors, and teachers!

    glazed lemon loaf on a piece of parchment paper with lemon wedges.

    Why You’ll Love this simple Lemon Bread Recipe

    • Quick and Easy– quick breads are my favorite because there is no need to use yeast, allow the dough to rise, etc. Simply combine the ingredients, pour into a greased loaf pan, and place in the oven! Easy peasy!
    • Perfect for any occasion– enjoy this bread any time of the day or having guests over! You can even enjoy a slice served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream for a dessert option!
    • Flavorful– moist, soft, tender, tangy, and sweet all in one lemon bread loaf. The ultimate bread with lemon flavor throughout.
    • Simple ingredients– no need to hunt through your grocery store for ingredients you’ve never heard of. Most of the ingredients needed are ones you may already have on hand.

    glaze being drizzled over a lemon loaf.

    Ingredients Notes to make Lemon Bread with Glaze

    Below are some notes regarding each ingredient needed. To see exact ingredient amounts with step by step directions, scroll below to the printable recipe card.

    • Butter– I use unsalted butter since salt will be added, if you only have salted butter, that works too. Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it creams together with the sugar.
    • Sugar– white granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness throughout.
    • Eggs– large eggs at room temperature. This helps the bread rise and acts as a binder to hold everything together.
    • Lemon Juice– use fresh lemons that you juice for the most flavor. You will use this both in both the bread and in the glaze.
    • Lemon Zest– using the fresh lemons that you have juiced, you can use a grater to zest them.
    • Flour– all purpose flour is my go-to, however, you can use gluten free flour at an equal ratio. Whole wheat flour can be used as well, however, it will result in the bread being a bit more dense.
    • Baking Powder/ Salt– this makes the bread rise and the salt adds to the flavor throughout. Ensure freshness by changing your baking powder out every 6 months.
    • Milk– any type of milk will work including non-dairy options. This adds to the moisture in the lemon loaf recipe.
    • Powdered Sugar– this combines with lemon juice to create an incredible glaze.

    all the ingredients needed to make a zesty loaf of quick bread.

    How to make Lemon Bread

    This lemon quick bread recipe is a family favorite and has a refreshing, moist flavor throughout! Follow these simple steps to make the most incredible loaf.

    1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
    2. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
    3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined.
    5. Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan, or 4 mini loaf pans.
    6. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan(s), filling about ½ way.
    7. Place pans into preheated oven, 350, and bake for 45 minutes if using a large pan, or 35 minutes if using mini pans.
    8. While bread is baking, combine the ½ cup powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
    9. Once bread is finished, remove from oven and drizzle glaze evenly on top.
    10. Allow bread to cool slightly on cooling racks before serving!

    step by step on how to make quick bread.

    Tips for Success

    Here are some tips and tricks for success. Being that this is a quick bread, this recipe is pretty fail proof!

    • Don’t over-mix the batter! Doing so results in a dry, dense bread that won’t have the same rise. Mix ingredients until just combined.
    • If your glaze is too thick and you can’t drizzle it on, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice or even some milk to thin it out. If the glaze is too runny and thin, add additional powdered sugar.
    • For an added sweetness, you can add in up to 1 cup chocolate chips. Adds a chocolate sweetness that really compliments the lemon flavor.
    • If you’re a lemon lover, feel free to add in lemon extract. I would start with 1 teaspoon and adjust from there as it can be quite strong in flavor.
    • To cut down on the sweetness, feel free to omit the lemon loaf glaze and enjoy the bread as is.

    slices of lemon bread served on a white plate.

    Storing Glazed Lemon Bread

    • To store: allow bread to cool completely before placing in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. If the weather is warm or humid near you, store the bread in your refrigerator.
    • To freeze: don’t add the glaze to your bread. Once fully cooled, wrap in plastic wrap tightly or place in a freezer safe bag up to 3 months. Thaw the bread at room temperature and glaze when ready to serve!

    quick bread batter being poured into a loaf pan.

    More Quick Bread Recipes to try

    • Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread
    • Blueberry Bread
    • Brown Sugar Quick Bread
    • Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
    • Strawberry Bread
    • Key Lime Bread

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    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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    sliced lemon loaf on a cutting board.

    Easy Lemon Quick Bread

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy lemon bread recipe! Bursting with citrus flavor and moist texture, it's the perfect treat for any occasion.
    4.07 from 30 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 227 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Mini Loaf Pans
    • Grater
    • Citrus Juicer

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
    • 1 ½ cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
    • Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.
    • Pour in the milk and stir until just combined.
    • Grease an 8x4 in. loaf pan, or 4 mini loaf pans.
    • Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan(s), filling about ½ way.
    • Place pans into preheated oven, 350, and bake for 45 minutes if using a large pan, or 35 minutes if using mini pans.
    • While bread is baking, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
    • Once bread is finished, remove from oven and drizzle glaze evenly on top.
    • Allow bread to cool slightly on cooling racks before serving!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

    More Quick Breads

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      Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
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    Comments

    1. Karen Fein says

      February 28, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      Can I make this as muffins?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 01, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Absolutely! That would be just as tasty!

        Reply
    2. Suzzanne says

      August 08, 2020 at 9:53 am

      I need a really good Banana “Cake” recipe if you have on available. I don’t like lemon flavored anything, but I’m sure it’s really good for those who do! Looks beautiful!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        August 09, 2020 at 4:50 pm

        Ooooo, you just reminded me of a family recipe I have and never blogged! Its a banana cake with cream cheese frosting! I plan on making that soon and will get that on the blog! Thanks for the reminder!!

        Reply
    3. Sherrel P p says

      March 04, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      What are the nutrition stats? Calories, carbs, protein and fats?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 04, 2020 at 3:32 pm

        Stay tuned for this information. I am upgrading my recipe cards tonight and the nutritional information will be added to each recipe! Yea!!

        Reply
    4. gloria wolff says

      January 05, 2020 at 11:47 pm

      What would be the bake time for 4 small loafs?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 07, 2020 at 12:00 pm

        I would start around 25-30 minutes and keep an eye on it from there! Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Nancy Rutter says

      April 20, 2019 at 1:19 pm

      I make dozens of this bread every CHristmas and give for gifts. I do take a toothpick and make little holes in the top, then spoon the glaze over
      A favorite to many!kexideg

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        April 20, 2019 at 3:48 pm

        What a wonderful gift idea! I will have to remember that for teacher gifts!

        Reply
    6. Karen Cook says

      April 03, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Can you add fresh blueberries to this

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        April 04, 2019 at 10:39 am

        Absolutely! Just toss the berries in some flour to prevent them from sinking in the bread! Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Pat McKittrick says

      October 17, 2017 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      Made a loaf of this Lemon bread today. I left off the glaze. It was great ! Definitely a keeper. Has the texture of a pound cake.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 22, 2017 at 1:19 pm

        Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    4.07 from 30 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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