This Lemon Lavender Loaf is a refreshing and flavorful citrus bread, perfect for springtime. The blend of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender creates a unique and light loaf that is both indulgent and aromatic. Whether topped with candied lemon slices or a simple sugar glaze, it’s an easy yet elegant treat to enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a delightful snack or dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 2 medium eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)

• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (120ml)

• ¾ stick unsalted butter, melted (80g)

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (280g)

• 2½ teaspoons baking powder

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (60ml)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Candied Lemons (optional):

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

• 1 cup water (250ml)

• 2 small lemons

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C).

2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the lemon juice, melted butter, and lavender, and mix until combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour and baking powder, and mix until the batter is smooth.

4. Bake: Pour the batter into a 2-pound loaf tin lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

5. Glaze: Immediately after removing the loaf from the oven, pour the sweetened lemon juice over the bread. Let it cool before slicing.

6. Candied Lemons (Optional): For candied lemon slices, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until sugar dissolves. Slice the lemons thinly and simmer them in the syrup for 20 minutes. Place the slices on paper towels to cool. Optionally, garnish the loaf or individual slices with these candied lemons.

Nutrients

• Calories: 260 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 49g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sugar: 31g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 14mg

• Potassium: 178mg

The Essence of Lemon and Lavender

The combination of lemon and lavender is the heart of this loaf, offering a refreshing contrast of flavors. Lemon provides a tangy, bright taste, while lavender adds a gentle, floral aroma that enhances the overall experience without overpowering the other ingredients. This pairing creates a subtle elegance that feels both fresh and indulgent, making it ideal for spring when citrus fruits are in season, and the air is full of floral scents.

In this recipe, the lemon is used in both the batter and the glaze, bringing its tangy goodness throughout the loaf. The dried lavender is incorporated into the batter, where it infuses the loaf with a light, aromatic essence that complements the brightness of the lemon.

Making the Batter: Simple, Fresh, and Light

Creating the batter for this loaf is straightforward. Start by whisking together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring that the loaf will rise beautifully. Then, add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, melted butter, and lavender, which will infuse the batter with moisture and flavor.

The lavender is added in its dried form, allowing it to release its delicate floral flavor into the mixture. It’s important to use just the right amount, as a little lavender goes a long way. The balance between the lemon’s citrusy punch and the floral notes of lavender is what makes this loaf so unique.

Once the wet ingredients are combined, sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps from forming in the batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, ready to be poured into the prepared loaf tin.

Baking the Loaf to Perfection

Pour the prepared batter into a 2-pound loaf tin that’s lined with parchment paper. This prevents the loaf from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove once it’s done baking. Bake the loaf at 360°F (180°C) for about 40-45 minutes. The loaf will rise nicely and take on a golden brown hue.

To check if the loaf is done, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the loaf is ready to be removed from the oven. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking will be an enticing preview of the delicious treat you’re about to enjoy.

Lemon Glaze: A Sweet, Tangy Finish

Once the loaf is baked, it’s time to add the finishing touch with a simple lemon glaze. The glaze is made by combining fresh lemon juice with a tablespoon of sugar. This sweetened lemon juice is poured over the warm loaf, allowing it to soak into the bread and add an extra layer of sweetness and tang. The glaze adds a glossy, inviting finish and enhances the lemon flavor, giving each slice a burst of citrusy goodness.

The glaze also helps to keep the loaf moist, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful. As the loaf cools, the glaze sets, creating a beautiful shine on the surface of the loaf.

Candied Lemons: Optional, but Gorgeous

For an extra touch of elegance, you can add candied lemon slices on top of the loaf or on individual slices. This step is optional, but it adds a beautiful visual element and an additional layer of sweetness. To make the candied lemons, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and simmer the lemon slices for about 20 minutes. The syrup makes the lemons tender and sweet, and once they cool, they can be used to garnish the loaf.

The candied lemons are both decorative and delicious, adding a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to each slice of the loaf. They provide a nice contrast to the tartness of the lemon glaze and further elevate the presentation of the loaf.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Lavender Loaf is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for a light snack, a dessert after a meal, or even for brunch. The refreshing lemon and lavender flavors make it especially enjoyable when paired with a cup of tea or coffee. The loaf is soft and moist, making it a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly heavy.

You can serve it sliced with a drizzle of extra glaze, or add the candied lemon slices on top for a more decorative presentation. If you’re looking to serve it at a gathering, this loaf makes an excellent centerpiece, bringing both flavor and elegance to your table.

Why Lemon Lavender Loaf is Perfect for Spring

This Lemon Lavender Loaf is ideal for spring, with its bright citrus flavors and floral lavender undertones. It’s light yet indulgent, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and floral freshness. The loaf is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, as both lemons and lavender are often associated with springtime. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh, aromatic flavors of the season in a simple, easy-to-make treat.

Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, looking for a refreshing dessert, or just need a comforting snack, this Lemon Lavender Loaf is sure to become a favorite. Its vibrant flavors, soft texture, and aromatic appeal make it a perfect addition to any springtime gathering.

Nutritional Considerations

Each slice of Lemon Lavender Loaf contains approximately 260 calories, making it a moderate indulgence. The loaf has 49 grams of carbohydrates, with 31 grams of sugar, which is typical for a sweet treat like this. It also provides 6 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat from the butter, which contributes to its rich flavor and tender texture. Additionally, each slice offers 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber.

While the loaf is indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The addition of fresh lemon juice and lavender provides some natural vitamins and antioxidants, making it a delicious and relatively wholesome treat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Lavender Loaf is an elegant, refreshing, and flavorful treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of spring. The combination of tangy lemon and fragrant lavender creates a unique and delightful flavor that makes this loaf both indulgent and aromatic. Whether you serve it with a simple sugar glaze, or add candied lemon slices for extra flair, this loaf will be a hit at any occasion. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply as a delightful snack or dessert. The lightness of the loaf and the brightness of the flavors make it an unforgettable treat that will leave you craving more.