Lemon Lavender Loaf

As a home cook, I’ve learned that the simplest recipes often bring the most satisfaction. One of my favorite discoveries is the Lemon Lavender Loaf. The bright citrus flavor of lemon combined with the subtle floral notes of lavender creates a dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent. If you’re looking to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the perfect recipe for you. It’s surprisingly easy, beautifully fragrant, and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Lemon Lavender Loaf is a great addition to your baking repertoire. It requires minimal ingredients, and its light, aromatic taste makes it perfect for any occasion—be it an afternoon tea, a gift for a friend, or a treat for your own family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and it won’t take long to prepare!

Why This Recipe is Special

This Lemon Lavender Loaf isn’t just a simple cake; it’s a delightful sensory experience. The balance of the tangy lemon and aromatic lavender brings something unique to your typical sweet loaf. Lavender isn’t a common ingredient in everyday baking, but when paired with lemon, it offers an unexpected, yet perfectly complementary, flavor profile.

The freshness of lemon offers a bright and zesty burst of flavor, while the lavender adds a calming, aromatic quality that makes this loaf stand out. Together, these flavors create a loaf that’s not too sweet, not too heavy, and definitely something you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the perfect Lemon Lavender Loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Flour: The base for your loaf. All-purpose flour works best, offering a soft and tender crumb.
• Baking powder: To help the loaf rise and achieve that light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
• Sugar: Sweetens the loaf, balancing out the tang of the lemon and the floral notes of the lavender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the loaf.
• Lemon zest: Provides a burst of citrus flavor without overwhelming the loaf.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the loaf, adding a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Lavender: The star ingredient. Make sure to use food-grade lavender, as this ensures it’s safe to eat and will provide the perfect aromatic punch.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm undertones.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the batter, making it smooth and easy to pour into the loaf pan.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and aromatic. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can try substituting dried thyme or rosemary for lavender, but it will change the character of the loaf. Additionally, for a dairy-free option, you can swap the butter and milk with coconut oil and almond milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure the loaf comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients and help with the rise of the loaf.

Step 3: In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, making the loaf lighter.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon zest will give you that fresh, citrusy fragrance, while the juice adds just the right amount of tang.

Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a little flour, then a little milk, and repeat until everything is well combined. Be sure not to overmix—mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to keep the loaf tender.

Step 7: Fold in the dried lavender flowers. If you want a more subtle lavender flavor, you can use less, but don’t skip this step! It’s what sets this loaf apart.

Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around 50 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown on top and have risen nicely.

Step 10: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and prevents it from falling apart while cutting.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to check for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), your loaf is ready. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes.
• If the loaf browns too quickly: If the top of the loaf is browning faster than the inside is cooking, loosely cover the top with foil and continue baking until done.
• For a fluffier loaf: Be careful not to overmix your batter, as it can lead to a denser texture. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
• Lavender intensity: Lavender can be potent, so start with a small amount and taste the batter before adding more. You can always add more lavender later, but it’s harder to take away if you’ve overdone it.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Lavender Loaf is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, especially in the afternoon.

If you have leftovers (which is rare), you can store the loaf at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To thaw, simply leave it on the counter for a few hours or warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Conclusion

This Lemon Lavender Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and fragrant, and it’s an easy recipe to make for beginners. Whether you enjoy baking on weekends or want a treat to serve guests, this loaf will undoubtedly impress. The combination of lemon and lavender is unexpected yet delightful, and the best part is that it’s simple enough for anyone to make.

Don’t miss our other delicious, beginner-friendly recipes that are just as easy and fun to make. Let us know how your loaf turns out in the comments below!

FAQ About Lemon Lavender Loaf

More Relevant Recipes

• Soft Crust Sourdough Bread
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
• Lemon Zucchini Bread

Print