Great question! To get that bright, fresh lemon flavor in loaves (like lemon bread or lemon pound cake), I usually use one or a combination of these:
- Fresh Lemon Zest — The outer yellow skin of the lemon is packed with essential oils and gives the strongest, freshest lemon aroma and flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice — Adds tangy, natural lemon flavor and moisture.
- Lemon Extract — A concentrated flavor, great if you want a more intense lemon taste without extra liquid.
- Lemon Oil — Sometimes used in baking for a very pure lemon flavor; use sparingly as it’s potent.
My tip:
Start with fresh zest and juice for the best natural brightness, then add a little lemon extract if you want the flavor to pop even more.
Do you bake lemon loaves often? I can share a lemon loaf recipe if you want!