The wonderful thing about food is that it has the ability to conjure up some incredibly powerful emotions. So much so that it can actually transport you back to a very special place in time. Personally, I have many recipes that have that ability. But what's even better is when you are able to do that for someone else with your cooking. I spotted this Old Fashioned Lemon Bread recipe in among my stash of my mother- in- law's recipes and I put it aside to make one day. Little did I know the power it possessed.
In addition to all the recipes she gave me over the years, I have this pile of my mother-in-law's recipes that my husband was able to collect after she passed away. Some of them I recognize, like her Dairy Free Pumpkin Bread, some he grew up with and there's some she likely never even made.
This is the best lemon bread I've ever had and it makes and amazing dessert, snack or breakfast. It's really perfect anytime of the day. It doesn't have a glaze, but trust me, it's so good, it doesn't need one.
Jump to:
One day I had an overwhelming craving for lemon bread and I remembered this lemon loaf cake recipe. And OMG did it ever hit the spot -it has such a bright lemon flavor and I couldn't believe how incredibly tasty it was! But it was my husband's reaction that really warmed my heart because I had no idea that this was such a special recipe for him. It wasn't until he was eating it and said, 'Wow. I haven't had this in about 40 years. It brings back such great memories.' It was so meaningful to be a part of recreating those cherished memories for him through baking.
🥘 Ingredients
You don't need a glaze for this easy lemon loaf; you simply mix it up and bake. Easy peasy! The walnuts give this loaf a nice texture and it's the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And you can sprinkle on a little additional lemon zest and walnuts if you like.
For this recipe, you'll need:
- unsalted butter
- white granulated sugar
- eggs
- flour
- salt
- baking powder
- milk (I use 1% but you could use 2% or whole milk)
- chopped walnuts
- lemons
I also love this lemon bread recipe because not only is it easy, it's simple and wholesome. You use ingredients you have around the house and it calls for fresh lemons and walnuts, just like it did 40-50 years ago. These old-fashioned bread recipes are the best because they have stood the test of time. My family's Date Nut Loaf is another recipe that has been passed on from generation to generation. And I know this Lemon Loaf will be the same; it's just too good not to pass on!
👪Serving Size
This recipe for lemon bread serves 8, but you can double it (you'll need additional loaf pans). Simply click on the blue serving size in the recipe card, choose the number of servings you'd like, and the recipe amounts will adjust accordingly.
📖 Variations & Substitutions
- Butter - if you use salted butter, skip the salt in the recipe
- Walnuts - you could substitute pecans for the walnuts
🍽Equipment
You'll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, a flour sifter, an electric mixer and a 9X5 loaf pan for this lemon loaf (affiliate links)
🌡️Storing
Refrigeration: Store this delicious quick bread in the fridge for up to 5 days in a Ziplock bag or sealed container
Freezing: You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. *It's best that you DO NOT slice it prior to freezing, but rather, freeze it whole. Wait until it completely cools, then put it in a Ziplock freezer bag.
💭Top Tip
It's better to slice this lemon bread as you need it and don't slice the entire loaf before storing, as it prevents it from drying out. *Cover the exposed piece in the loaf with plastic wrap when you store it.
I'm so lucky to have so many of Grandma Jean's recipes to be able to share with my children. They may have only had their Grandma Jean for a short time but her recipes live on in our home.
💭What to do with the leftover lemon juice
You're going to have leftover fresh lemon juice after you make lemon loaf this recipe so why not give my Healthy Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta a try! It's loaded with veggies, chicken and pasta, with healthy and light creamy lemon sauce.
So if you have lemon lovers amongst you and you're looking for an easy and delicious lemon loaf recipe, you'll love this one! Making others happy with food is my favorite part of cooking and baking, but being able to make them food just like Mom used to make is priceless ~
Happy Baking!
⭐ Reviews
Did you love this old-fashioned lemon bread recipe? If so, please leave a 5 star rating and comment below!
📋 Old Fashioned Lemon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 whole eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 whole lemon rind (peel), grated
Garnish
- lemon zest
- chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and spray a 9X5 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with 1 cup sugar, using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, then add beaten eggs.
- In a medium bowl, sift dry ingredients (flour, salt and baking powder) together. Then add this flour mixture to butter mixture, alternately with milk, a little bit at a time, mixing well between additions.
- Finely grate 1 whole lemon into a small bowl, then add the grated rind to the batter.
- Stir in walnuts.
- Baking time: Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool hot bread for 5 minutes in pan, then run knife (or spatula) around edge of bread pan and remove to wire rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
Garnish
- Sprinkle additional walnuts and lemon zest on top of the bread, if desired.
Chinazor
The last time I had a lemon cake at a friend's place, I was literally separated from it because I could not stop munching. I am sure I would love this.
Terri Gilson
haha that would be me too! I hope you enjoy it!
Laura
This is my kinda recipe!
Terri Gilson
Thanks!
Anne Lawton
Lemon tastes great with just about anything, this bread looks delicious!
Sue Ringsdorf
I love lemon flavors this time of year, and this bread is the BEST! Looking forward to leftovers!
Carlos Leo
This is my kind of bread loaf. I love the citrus flavor in my baked desserts.
Eileen Kelly
A delicious lemon loaf with the perfect amount of lemon. A fabulous recipe and the entire family enjoyed the recipe.
colleen kennedy
Yes! Lemon desserts are my favorite! Looks perfect!!
Ariella
Aw those kind of recipe reactions are the best.
Terri Gilson
I agree!
Caroline
I love a good lemon loaf - have never tried with walnuts in there but it sounds like it's worth a try!
Terri Gilson
They give it a really nice crunch, Caroline!
JoAnna Grable
This is a lovely quick bread. So delicate and delicious. It is very light and sweet with a touch of lemon flavor. I'm going to zest two lemons next time, to increase the lemon flavor. Also, I beat everything by hand rather than an electric beater. It was perfect.
Terri Gilson
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, JoAnna! Using the zest of 2 lemons is a great idea!