A glorious, freshly baked Healthy Lemon Loaf, beautifully glazed and garnished with thin lemon slices and a sprig of fresh thyme, centered on a minimalist white plate on marble countertops. Natural morning light from the east window casts soft shadows. Fresh herbs are visible in the background, next to the same wooden cutting board. The loaf exhibits a perfectly golden-brown crust and mouth-watering, juicy appearance, creating a clean and tidy presentation. NO HANDS.

Healthy Lemon Loaf: Zesty & Guilt-Free

ByMaya
Jump to Recipe
A single, perfectly sliced piece of Healthy Lemon Loaf on a minimalist white plate, showcasing its incredibly moist, light texture and tender crumb. The slice is artfully arranged on the marble countertop under soft natural morning light from the east window, with fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top and a hint of fresh herbs in the background. The same wooden cutting board is subtly visible nearby, contributing to a clean and tidy presentation. NO HANDS.

Healthy Lemon Loaf

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a simple bake can brighten your entire day, and for me, that’s undeniably my Healthy Lemon Loaf. This recipe became a game-changer in my kitchen a few springs ago, born from a desire to enjoy a lighter treat without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. I started experimenting, intuitively swapping traditional butter for heart-healthy olive oil and incorporating a generous dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, aiming for that perfect balance of moistness and a wonderfully tender crumb.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

What began as a playful experiment quickly blossomed into a family favorite, proving that even the simplest tweaks can elevate a classic into something extraordinary. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little slice of joy that encapsulates everything I love about healthy baking – it’s light, bright, and impossibly moist, making every single bite a delightful escape. If you’re a fan of baking comforting loaves, and perhaps looking for another wholesome option, you might also love my gluten-free honey cake loaf, which shares that same comforting, homemade appeal.

Whether it’s for an impromptu brunch gathering, a quiet afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea, or simply to bring a burst of sunshine into your week, this loaf is truly a go-to. It consistently surprises with its utterly delicious taste, proving once and for all that healthy can be incredibly satisfying. And for those who, like me, are always exploring new ways to enjoy this classic, you might find inspiration in other versions, such as this delightful healthy lemon loaf I’ve admired, showcasing the versatility of this beloved treat.

Healthy Lemon Loaf: Zesty & Guilt-Free
Pin
Print

Healthy Lemon Loaf: Zesty & Guilt-Free

Recipe by MayaCourse: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A wonderfully moist and tangy lemon loaf made healthier with Greek yogurt and olive oil, topped with a simple lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • Zest of 2 large lemons

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)

  • ½ cup olive oil (light tasting)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

  • For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant. This helps release the lemon oils.
  • Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, and eggs to the sugar mixture. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Stir in the ¼ cup fresh lemon juice until just incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, ½ teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. It should be thick but pourable.
  • Once the loaf is completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
  • Slice and serve!

Notes

    • Zest with Zest: Don’t skip rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar! This simple trick, known as ‘zest-infusion’, truly extracts every ounce of bright lemon flavor, making your loaf sing. It’s a game-changer for citrus baked goods.
    • Olive Oil Choice: Use a light-tasting extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. A robust, peppery olive oil might overpower the delicate lemon notes. The goal is moisture and a subtle richness, not a strong olive flavor.
    • Cool Completely: I know it’s hard, but resist glazing the loaf while it’s warm! A fully cooled loaf ensures the glaze sets beautifully and doesn’t just melt into a sticky mess. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to deliciousness.

Similar Posts