strawberry lemonade loaf

Here’s a delicious recipe for a Strawberry Lemonade Loaf that combines the sweet taste of strawberries with the tangy zing of lemonade. It’s perfect for a refreshing treat or dessert!

Strawberry Lemonade Loaf

Ingredients:

For the loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (blend fresh or frozen strawberries to make a smooth puree)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (optional for extra strawberry flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oven and loaf pan:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

   • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

   • Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the sour cream and strawberry puree.

   • Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the loaf:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

   • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the glaze:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry puree until smooth.

   • Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf.

5. Serve and enjoy:

   • Slice the loaf and enjoy this refreshing treat with a perfect balance of sweet strawberry and tangy lemon flavors.

Optional Variations:

• Strawberry chunks: Fold in small pieces of fresh or frozen strawberries into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

• Frosting: For a richer version, you can make a buttercream frosting instead of the glaze.

• Mini loaves: You can also bake this recipe in smaller mini loaf pans for individual servings.

This Strawberry Lemonade Loaf is a delightful, refreshing treat perfect for spring or summer! Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or as a snack.