Lemon Olive Oil Loaf

Introduction

There’s something about the combination of citrus and olive oil that just feels fresh and vibrant, right? A slice of Lemon Olive Oil Loaf is like a burst of sunshine in every bite, with its perfectly moist texture and zesty lemon flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea in the afternoon or sharing it with friends at brunch, this loaf is one of those recipes that brings both simplicity and a little bit of elegance to the table.

What makes this loaf stand out is the use of olive oil instead of butter. Not only does it make the cake incredibly moist, but it also adds a subtle richness without feeling too heavy. Plus, the lemon zest and juice infuse it with such a refreshing, tangy flavor. Trust me, it’s a slice of heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Lemon Olive Oil Loaf is bound to become your new go-to recipe:

• Moist & Flavorful: The olive oil keeps the loaf soft and moist, while the lemon adds a perfect zing.
• Light and Refreshing: The citrusy brightness of the lemon makes it a light, fresh dessert or snack.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this loaf a breeze to prepare.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday, a casual afternoon, or as a gift, this loaf fits every occasion.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well for several days, so you can enjoy a slice whenever you want.
• Customizable: You can easily add poppy seeds, blueberries, or a glaze to take this loaf to the next level.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

For the Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor while keeping the loaf moist and tender.
• Lemon: Zest and juice infuse the loaf with fresh citrus flavor, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
• Greek Yogurt: Helps keep the loaf extra moist and adds a slight tang that complements the lemon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

Prepare the Oven & Loaf Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Loaf

1. Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you’d like a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time.
2. Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve

Here’s how you can serve your Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

1. On Its Own: A slice of this loaf is perfect on its own as a light snack or dessert.
2. With Tea or Coffee: It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
3. As a Breakfast Bread: Serve it as a quick and refreshing breakfast option alongside fruit or yogurt.
4. For Special Occasions: The lemony sweetness and elegance of this loaf make it an ideal treat for brunches, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
5. Gift it: Wrap it up in a cute box or paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips for making the perfect Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

1. Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since the olive oil is a key ingredient, using extra virgin olive oil will give the loaf a wonderful flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense.
3. Adjust the Lemon: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more zest or lemon juice.
4. Make Ahead: This loaf keeps well for several days in an airtight container, making it great for meal prep or as a make-ahead treat.
5. Freezing: If you have leftovers, slice the loaf and freeze the pieces for later. Just thaw them for a few hours when you’re ready to enjoy.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun variations of this Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

• Add Poppy Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon or two of poppy seeds to add texture and enhance the flavor.
• Blueberry Lemon: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist on this classic.
• Lemon Almond: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract and a handful of chopped almonds for a lovely nutty flavor that complements the citrus.
• Lemon Coconut: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Add a Streusel Topping: Top the loaf with a simple streusel before baking for a crunchy, sweet topping.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

• Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful!
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Reheating: If you’re freezing slices, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their warmth and freshness.

Special Equipment

Although this recipe is easy to make, here are a few kitchen tools that might come in handy:

• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: For baking the perfect loaf.
• Whisk: For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
• Zester: To get that fresh lemon zest that really brightens up the loaf.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the loaf to cool completely and maintain its texture.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Lemon Olive Oil Loaf:

• Can I make this loaf without the glaze?
  Yes! The loaf is delicious without the glaze, but the glaze adds a nice sweetness and extra lemony flavor.
• Can I use a different oil?
  If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil, but the flavor may change slightly.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary.
• Can I add more citrus?
  Definitely! You could add lime or orange zest for a citrusy variation.
• How can I make the loaf sweeter?
  If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add a little extra sugar or drizzle honey on top after baking.

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Conclusion

This Lemon Olive Oil Loaf is truly a delight in every bite! The bright, zesty lemon flavor combined with the rich yet light olive oil creates the perfect balance, making it a treat you can enjoy any time of day. The moist, tender crumb will have you coming back for more, and the citrusy aroma as it bakes is simply irresistible.

What makes this loaf so special is its versatility—serve it for breakfast with a cup of tea, enjoy a slice as an afternoon snack, or add it to a brunch spread for a refreshing twist. It’s also a great gift for friends and family when you’re looking to share something homemade and thoughtful.

The olive oil gives this loaf a subtle richness that perfectly complements the fresh lemon, making it feel luxurious without being overly indulgent. It’s one of those recipes that’s not only easy to make but also elevates everyday moments into something extra special.

So, if you’re ready for a bright, refreshing treat, this Lemon Olive Oil Loaf is your answer. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!