Sourdough Lemon Bread
Introduction
If you love bright citrus flavor paired with soft, tender crumb, this Sourdough Lemon Bread is about to become your new favorite bake! It’s wonderfully moist, delicately sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Best of all, it’s an easy recipe that makes perfect use of sourdough starter—active or discard—without complicated steps.
Description
This sourdough lemon bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist with a vibrant lemon aroma. The subtle tang from the sourdough enhances the citrus notes, creating a beautifully balanced flavor. It has a tender crumb, golden crust, and pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or as a light dessert.
Ingredients & Quantity
For 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf:
1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (active or discard)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (60ml) milk or buttermilk
Optional Lemon Glaze:
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough starter, sugar, oil (or butter), and eggs until smooth.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix well.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4️⃣ Combine & Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
5️⃣ Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7️⃣ Add Glaze (Optional)
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over completely cooled bread.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Lemon quick breads are inspired by traditional European citrus cakes, especially those popular in Mediterranean regions such as Italy, where lemons are abundant and frequently used in baking. Citrus-based cakes have long symbolized freshness, hospitality, and celebration.
The addition of sourdough starter reflects modern baking trends that emphasize reducing food waste and embracing natural fermentation. This blend of old-world citrus tradition and contemporary sourdough baking connects generations of home bakers.
Optional Additions
🍋 Add ½ teaspoon lemon extract for extra citrus intensity
🫐 Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
🥥 Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for texture
🌰 Mix in ½ cup chopped almonds or poppy seeds
🍯 Replace part of the sugar with honey for deeper flavor
Tips for Success
✔ Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor
✔ Zest lemons before juicing them
✔ Do not overmix—this keeps the bread tender
✔ If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil
✔ Let the loaf cool completely before glazing
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices)
Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 1g
(Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Sourdough Lemon Bread is the perfect combination of bright citrus flavor and soft, moist texture. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and a wonderful way to use your sourdough starter.
Recommendation
Enjoy this lemon bread:
With afternoon tea
As a brunch centerpiece
Lightly toasted with butter
Served with fresh berries and whipped cream
It also makes a beautiful homemade gift!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This loaf offers a balanced indulgence—homemade, preservative-free, and made with simple ingredients. The sourdough starter adds natural fermentation benefits, while fresh lemon provides vitamin C and refreshing flavor.
Baking from scratch allows you to control ingredients and savor treats mindfully. With its wholesome charm and bright citrus notes, this sourdough lemon bread is comfort and freshness in every slice. 🍋✨
