Lemonade Bread Recipe
A zesty, moist lemonade bread bursting with citrus flavor, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Easy to bake and customize with fruits or seeds for added texture and flair!
Lemonade Bread
Lemonade bread is a delightful fusion of citrusy sweetness and tender, moist texture, making it a standout treat for any occasion. It’s essentially a quick bread that gets its unique flavor from fresh lemonade, which infuses the loaf with a tangy brightness.
The addition of lemon zest amplifies the citrus aroma and provides a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite. Its versatility makes it perfect as a breakfast option, a midday snack, or a dessert paired with tea or coffee.
The charm of lemonade bread lies in its balance of flavors. Unlike overly sweet desserts, it has a natural tanginess from the lemonade that keeps it light and refreshing. A drizzle of lemon glaze on top adds a touch of elegance and extra zing, making the bread not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, gifting a homemade treat, or simply indulging in a slice yourself, lemonade bread is a crowd-pleaser.
What sets lemonade bread apart is its simplicity. The recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible to beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Plus, it’s customizable—add herbs like lavender for a floral twist, incorporate blueberries for added texture, or use gluten-free flour for a dietary-friendly option. No matter the variation, lemonade bread captures the essence of summer in a single loaf, embodying the joy of citrus-infused comfort food.
Recipe
A moist and tangy lemonade bread made with fresh lemonade and a zesty glaze, perfect for summer brunches or as a gift loaf. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a tender crumb with a refreshing citrus punch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemonade
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemonade (for glaze)
- Pinch of lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemonade, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemonade until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and garnish with lemon zest if desired.
prep time with cook time.
Serves 6 and contains approximately 280 calories per serving.
American / Dessert, Bread
Rated 4.9 by 172 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: lemonade bread recipe, citrus bread, lemon dessert, summer bread, homemade lemonade bread
Published by: Crisprecipe
Recipe Video
This is a video about Lemonade Bread.
Servings
Classic Sliced with Glaze: Slice the bread and serve it with the tangy lemon glaze drizzled on top for an extra burst of flavor.
With Fresh Fruits: Pair slices with a medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to enhance the citrusy notes.
Toasted with Butter: Lightly toast slices and spread with butter for a warm and comforting treat.
With Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the tangy bread.
Dessert-Style with Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Paired with Tea or Coffee: Serve alongside hot tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack or breakfast.
As a Gift Loaf: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
With Lemon Curd or Jam: Add a spread of lemon curd, apricot jam, or berry preserves for extra sweetness.
Topped with Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a simple and elegant presentation.
Mini Sandwiches: Cut slices into smaller pieces and layer with cream cheese or mascarpone for a unique finger food option.
Tips
Use Fresh Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade provides the best flavor compared to store-bought options.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: Makes removing the bread easier and prevents sticking.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Add Poppy Seeds or Blueberries: For extra texture and flavor, fold in poppy seeds or fresh blueberries.
Experiment with Glaze: Try a honey-lemon glaze or add a splash of vanilla to the glaze for a unique twist.
Boost Zest Levels: Use extra lemon zest if you prefer a stronger citrus punch.
Storage Recommendations
Store Properly: Wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
Reheat Before Serving: Slightly warm slices in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel.
Garnish for Appeal: Top with additional lemon zest or edible flowers for a decorative touch.
Serve in Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans for individual portions, great for gifting or parties.
Prevent Sinking in the Middle: Ensure your oven is preheated, and avoid opening the door during the baking process.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your lemonade beforehand; if it’s too sweet, balance with a pinch of salt or more zest.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt.
Ingredient Substitutes
All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with gluten-free baking flour (1:1 ratio) for a gluten-free option. Also, use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber (may need slightly more liquid).
Granulated Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a natural sweetener alternative. You can as well use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option (adjust to sweetness level).
Baking Powder: Replace with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar for the same effect.
Fresh Lemonade: Use limeade for a tangier variation. You may mix 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1/2 cup water and a tablespoon of sugar for a homemade alternative.
Milk or Buttermilk: Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use yogurt or sour cream thinned with water for a similar tangy effect.
Lemon Zest: Swap with lime zest or orange zest for a different citrus profile. Alternatively, use dried lemon peel (1/3 the amount) if fresh zest isn’t available.
Vanilla Extract: Replace with almond extract for a nutty flavor or lemon extract for a stronger citrus punch.
Butter: Use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option. Or Substitute with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.
Sour Cream: Swap with plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Use mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche for a richer taste.
Poppy Seeds: Replace with chia seeds or omit entirely if not preferred.
Blueberries: Substitute with raspberries, diced strawberries, or dried cranberries.