Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf – Easy & Moist Recipe

When spring arrives, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a fresh, light, and zesty Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf. This loaf is a simple, yet delicious dessert, combining the tangy flavor of Greek yogurt and the refreshing zing of lemon. It’s moist, soft, and topped with a lemon glaze that enhances its citrusy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or bringing a sweet treat to a family gathering, this Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf is the perfect addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf

This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Made with staple ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon, and a few pantry essentials, this loaf brings a bright, fresh flavor that’s perfect for spring. The addition of Greek yogurt ensures that the loaf remains soft and moist, while the lemon glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of citrus. With its balanced sweetness and tang, this Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf is a crowd-pleaser that’s both family-friendly and easy to make.

Ingredients

• Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the loaf.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the right texture.
• Lemon Zest: Gives the loaf a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the citrusy punch and complements the yogurt.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a creamy, tangy flavor. It helps make the loaf tender and light.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the loaf rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the loaf.
• Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want to try a variation of this Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf, here are a few ideas:

• For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or replace part of the milk in the glaze with lemon juice.
• For added texture, consider folding in fresh blueberries or poppy seeds to the batter before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Mix Lemon Zest with Sugar: In a separate bowl, rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers. This helps release the lemon oils and intensify the flavor.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth and light. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and eggs, whisking until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.
6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Glaze: Allow the loaf to cool on a rack. While the loaf is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice for the glaze. Once the loaf has cooled slightly, pour the glaze over the top for a sweet, tangy finish.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• Check Doneness: If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. If you’d like to make this loaf even more special, try adding a handful of blueberries, which complement the lemon flavor beautifully. You can also experiment with the glaze: substitute some of the milk with lemon juice for a stronger lemon kick, or add a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt in Baking

Greek yogurt not only adds moisture to baked goods, but it also provides a healthy dose of protein and probiotics. It’s a great alternative to using more butter or oil, offering a lighter loaf with a creamy texture. The tanginess of Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with the citrusy zest of lemon, making this loaf both delicious and nutritious.

Conclusion

This Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and moist. Its light texture and bright lemon flavor make it an ideal treat for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a morning coffee or serving it at a family gathering. The addition of Greek yogurt ensures a soft, tender crumb while enhancing the loaf’s richness. If you haven’t already tried baking with Greek yogurt, this loaf is the perfect introduction to its benefits. With a simple glaze or without, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that will leave your taste buds craving more. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Strawberry Lemon Bread
• Lemon Pound Cake

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