Are you craving a deliciously moist and zesty treat that's also completely vegan? Look no further! This vegan lemon loaf recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine the bright, sunny aroma filling your kitchen as you bake this simple yet incredibly flavorful loaf. It's the ideal homemade dessert, perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a delightful addition to your next brunch. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, and even seasoned cooks will appreciate its simplicity and delicious results. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this healthy and satisfying treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your loaf releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents evenly for a perfectly light texture.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, plant-based milk, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The applesauce adds moisture and sweetness, making this loaf incredibly moist.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, so be gentle!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Vegan Lemon Loaf:
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Zest it Up: Use freshly zested lemon for the most vibrant flavor. The zest adds a beautiful aroma and intense lemon flavor.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
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Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the loaf is baked through. If it comes out with batter clinging to it, bake for a few more minutes.
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Glaze it: For an extra touch of sweetness and tang, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled loaf. A glaze adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a delightful twist.
- Poppy Seed Lemon Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a textural and flavor boost.
- Lemon Raspberry Loaf: Incorporate ½ cup of raspberries for a delicious fruity variation.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Fat: 10g Protein: 4g Carbohydrates: 35g Sugar: 15g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This vegan lemon loaf is a truly delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Its bright citrus flavor and moist texture will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious recipe!