Sourdough Lemon Bread (Printer-Friendly)

A moist and tangy sourdough lemon bread infused with fresh zest and topped with a bright lemon glaze.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - ½ teaspoon salt
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 cup cane sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup sourdough discard
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - Zest of 1 lemon
12 - 1.5 teaspoons food-grade lemon oil
13 - ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, stir melted butter with cane sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to blend fully.
05 - Stir in sourdough discard, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon oil until combined uniformly.
06 - Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients just until no dry flour remains, avoiding overmixing.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crust is golden.
09 - Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 to 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar with lemon juice to form a smooth glaze, then drizzle over the cooled bread prior to serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Do not omit lemon zest as it provides the primary lemon flavor. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a neutral oil such as avocado oil. Older sourdough discard imparts a tangier profile; an overnight ferment enhances complexity. Optionally incorporate nuts or fruits after mixing.