If you adore bright flavors and soft, tender crumb, Lemon Bread is a must-have in your baking repertoire. Every bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and a sweet-tart glaze, making it equally perfect as a breakfast treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or a show-stopping dessert. The combination of Greek yogurt and olive oil keeps this loaf incredibly moist, while the zingy lemon glaze makes it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re sharing Lemon Bread with friends over coffee or savoring a slice with tea, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite for any citrus lover.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are all you need, but each one serves an important role in shaping the luscious texture and flavor of your Lemon Bread. Here’s what goes into making this sunshine-filled loaf so special.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, creating a soft, tender crumb.
Baking powder: Essential for that lovely lift, making your Lemon Bread airy and light.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the bright flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Brings the right sweetness and blends beautifully with the zest.
Lemon zest: Packs an intense lemony aroma and flavor, infusing every crumb.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and help with rise—room temp ensures a smooth batter.
Whole milk Greek yogurt (room temperature): Adds moisture, richness, and tang while keeping the loaf incredibly tender.
Olive oil: Provides subtle flavor and a reliably moist texture without overpowering the lemon.
Lemon juice: Delivers fresh, tart brightness in both the batter and the glaze.
Powdered sugar: The secret to a smooth, glossy glaze with just the right amount of sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to keep the Lemon Bread from sticking—plus, easy cleanup is always a win! This sets you up for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and helps the loaf rise beautifully, giving your Lemon Bread its signature softness.

Step 3: Build Bright Lemon Flavor

In another large bowl, place the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingertips to rub them together until wonderfully fragrant—the sugar will pull out the oils from the zest, making your whole kitchen smell like fresh lemon. Next, add the eggs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice, then whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pile the dry ingredients straight onto the wet mixture. Gently mix until there are no more streaks of flour; be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your Lemon Bread ultra-tender. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your lined loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes. After 45 minutes, check the color and tent with foil if it’s browning too quickly. The Lemon Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool the Loaf

Once baked, let the bread cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This resting period locks in moisture and makes slicing clean and easy. The aroma is so tempting, but it’s worth the wait!

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

As your loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for a luscious glaze. Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled Lemon Bread, letting it drip down the sides. The glaze adds a sparkling finish and that final punch of lemony sweetness—now you’re ready to slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Bread

Garnishes

Amp up the wow-factor by garnishing your Lemon Bread with a sprinkling of extra lemon zest, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a subtle pop, a few thin lemon slices or candied lemon peel on top of the glaze create a gorgeous finish. These simple touches make each slice feel bakery-special.

Side Dishes

Pair Lemon Bread with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt, or fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries. For brunch, set alongside crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a light spinach frittata for a bright, balanced table.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Lemon Bread into thick, café-style slices and serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy coffee break. Or try mini-loaf pans or muffin tins for petite, giftable versions—perfect for parties or sharing! For dessert, fan slices and serve with a swirl of berry coulis or a drizzle of white chocolate on individual plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Lemon Bread at its moist, flavorful best, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, especially if you wait to glaze until just before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, Lemon Bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the unglazed loaf well in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, then glaze before serving for a just-baked taste.

Reheating

If you want your Lemon Bread warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just long enough to revive the aromatics and bring out the moisture. Avoid overheating to preserve the loaf’s tender crumb and keep the glaze from melting too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely—you can substitute plain whole milk yogurt for Greek yogurt if needed. The loaf may be slightly less dense, but it will still be moist and delicious.

What type of olive oil is best for Lemon Bread?

Use a light or mild olive oil to avoid overpowering the lemon flavor. Extra-virgin is fine if it’s not too peppery, but a neutral option is great here.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in two pans. Check for doneness as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Is it possible to make Lemon Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for excellent results. Just remember, the texture may be slightly different, but still deliciously lemony.

How can I prevent my Lemon Bread from drying out?

Be sure not to overbake, and wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. If making ahead, glaze just before serving to keep every bite moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Every home baker needs a go-to Lemon Bread in their recipe box—it’s cheerful, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and share the sunshine with someone you love; there’s truly nothing like homemade Lemon Bread to brighten your day!

Lemon Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Bread recipe is a delightful combination of tangy lemon flavor in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest. Add eggs, yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Whisk to combine.
Mix Batter: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until no streaks remain.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. Tent with foil if needed after 45 minutes.
Cool and Glaze: Cool bread in pan on a wire rack. Make glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle glaze over bread before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American