Healthier Lemon Loaf With Glaze

The Heavenly Bakes
by The Heavenly Bakes
1 loaf
50 min

Bright, zesty, and full of sunshine—this healthier lemon loaf is a delightful twist on the classic tea-time favorite. Made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, olive oil, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, it’s lightened up without losing its soft, moist crumb or vibrant citrus flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest give it that signature tang, while a light glaze drizzled on top adds just the right amount of sweet finish. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, or packing it as a lunchbox treat, this loaf feels indulgent but is secretly better for you. It’s easy to make, naturally lower in refined sugar, and just as comforting and delicious as any traditional version. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a lemony aroma—and how every bite brings a little brightness to your day. Best of all? It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for any season.

Healthier Lemon Loaf With Glaze
Recipe details
  • 1  loaf
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 40 Minutes Total time: 50 min
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Ingredients

  • For the Loaf:
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or 1 cup whole wheat + ½ cup all-purpose)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, low-fat or full-fat)
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional Lemon Glaze:
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey/maple syrup, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix. The batter should be slightly thick and smooth.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Cool:
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze (Optional):
Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the loaf and let set for a few minutes before slicing.
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