Lemon Quick Bread - freshly baked bread

Lemon Quick Bread

Quick Breads

Bright, zesty lemon bread with a tangy lemon glaze. Bursting with fresh lemon flavour.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

50 min

Servings

10

Calories

240

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Add Dry Ingredients

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined — do not overmix.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Cool

    Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Baker's Notes

The number one rule of quick breads: do not overmix. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine — overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

This lemon quick bread is the kind of one-bowl bake that makes you feel like a seasoned baker without much effort at all. The melted butter folds into sugar, eggs, and vanilla before meeting flour, baking soda, and salt — and that's really it. What emerges is a tender, golden loaf packed with bright citrus flavour, topped with a tangy lemon glaze that makes every slice feel like a little celebration.

Canadian home cooks have loved quick breads for generations, and this version hits all the right notes: simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a result that tastes like it came from a bakery window. It's perfect for cold afternoons, weekend brunches, or simply because sometimes you want something warm and fragrant without a lot of drama.

Tips for the Best Lemon Quick Bread

Fold the dry ingredients in gently — a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will keep the crumb tender. Don't worry about a crack forming on top; that's a sign the loaf rose beautifully. And resist the urge to eat it straight from the oven: this bread's lemon flavour deepens and mellows overnight, so it's often even better the next day.

What to Serve With It

Serve this loaf warm or at room temperature with a pot of Earl Grey, a strong black coffee, or a steaming mug of tea — it's a classic Canadian afternoon pairing. Slice it thick for breakfast alongside fresh berries or a smear of whipped butter. It travels beautifully too, making it a natural fit for neighbourly gift baskets or potluck tables.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for a week or freeze for up to three months — thaw overnight at room temperature. If you prefer warm slices, pop a piece back in a 350°F oven for five minutes to refresh the crumb.

Nutrition Facts

240

cal

5g

Protein

2g

Fat

30g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

260mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to melt the butter, or can I use softened instead?+

Melted butter is the right call here — it blends evenly into the sugar and eggs without the risk of overworking the batter, which would make the loaf tough.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?+

A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The loaf should also spring back lightly when pressed in the middle.

Can I swap in whole wheat flour?+

Yes — replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf. You may want to add a tablespoon of milk to compensate for the extra absorbency.

Why does my loaf crack on top?+

That crack is completely normal and actually desirable. It means the quick bread rose well during baking — a sign your baking soda was active and your oven was hot enough.

Can I turn this into muffins?+

Absolutely. Fill lined muffin cups two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 22 to 25 minutes. They're great for grab-and-go mornings or lunchbox packing.

Tips & Tricks

  • Do not overmix — a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
  • A crack on top is normal and desirable — it means the bread rose well.
  • Quick breads often taste even better the next day as flavours meld.

Reviews (3)

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.