This EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a bright summer day or a cozy afternoon gathering. With its soft and fluffy texture, you won’t believe it’s gluten-free, vegan, and oil-free! The delightful lemon flavor paired with a sweet drizzle makes it an irresistible choice for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Deliciously Zesty: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing tang that brightens up your palate.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or as a light dessert after dinner.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with ground almonds and gluten-free flour, it caters to various dietary needs while still being delicious.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: The combination of yogurt and milk ensures that each slice is incredibly moist without the need for added oils.
Tools and Preparation
To make the EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf tin: Provides the perfect shape for your loaf to bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk or spatula: Helps achieve a smooth batter by ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the cake.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious loaf:
- 150 g Ground Almonds (1 ⅔ cups)
- 150 g Gluten-free Plain Flour (1 ¼ cups)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ cup Yoghurt
- 2 Lemons, juice and zest (around ¼ cup of lemon juice)
- ¼ cup Agave or Maple Syrup
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Agave or Maple Syrup
- ½ Lemon, juice (around 1 tbsp)
- 40 g Icing Sugar
- ½ Lemon, juice (½ to 1 tbsp – adjust for consistency)
How to Make The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F / 160°C fan. Line your loaf tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your ground almonds. Sift in the gluten-free plain flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Use a whisk or spatula to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add in your yoghurt, lemon juice and zest, agave or maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Gently fold these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared loaf tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown, and a skewer inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Drizzle
While the cake bakes, mix together the ingredients for the lemon drizzle syrup. Once baked, poke holes all over the cake down to the bottom of the tin. Pour the syrup over the entire cake and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool Down
Carefully remove the cake from the tin using the parchment overhang. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make Lemon Icing
Once cooled, prepare your lemon icing by mixing together icing sugar with lemon juice using a fork. Start with half a tablespoon; adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice if too thick or more icing sugar if too runny.
Step 8: Serve
Drizzle the icing over your cooled loaf. For best results, refrigerate briefly so that it sets before slicing with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
How to Serve The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Serving your EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf can be just as delightful as baking it. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this moist and fluffy cake, making it perfect for any occasion or meal.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the loaf alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of flavor and added freshness.
Topped with Vegan Yoghurt
- Add a dollop of vegan yoghurt on top of each slice. It provides creaminess that balances the tangy lemon drizzle beautifully.
Drizzled with Extra Lemon Icing
- For those who love sweetness, drizzle a bit more lemon icing over individual slices before serving for an extra treat.
Paired with Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy this loaf with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Its zesty flavor complements warm beverages perfectly, making for a lovely afternoon snack.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Slice and toast the loaf lightly. It makes for a fantastic breakfast option when paired with some nut butter or jam.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Add a few fresh mint leaves on the side for a pop of color and a refreshing taste that pairs well with lemon.
How to Perfect The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Perfecting your EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure your cake is always soft, moist, and delicious.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your milk and yoghurt are at room temperature. This helps in mixing better and creates an even batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s set correctly for even baking.
Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the loaf to cool completely before adding icing. This prevents the icing from melting off into puddles.
Store Properly: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you live in a warm climate to maintain freshness.
Experiment with Zest: Feel free to add more lemon zest for an even bolder citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste of the loaf.
Best Side Dishes for The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Pairing side dishes with your EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf can enhance its flavors and make your meal more satisfying. Here are some side dishes that work wonderfully together.
Coconut Chia Pudding: A light and creamy pudding made with coconut milk and chia seeds, providing a refreshing contrast.
Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil complement the cake’s sweetness nicely.
Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and acidity to balance out the citrus notes of the loaf.
Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer granola with almond milk and fruits for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the softness of the cake.
Herbed Quinoa Salad: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs like parsley and mint offers protein while keeping things light.
Almond Butter Toasts: Toast slices topped with almond butter provide healthy fats and protein, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a savory element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet lemony loaf.
Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Fresh carrot sticks dipped in hummus make for a crunchy snack that balances out dessert nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your cake.
- Skipping the sifting: Not sifting your gluten-free flour can lead to clumps in the batter. Always sift to ensure a smooth texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for a fluffy loaf.
- Not measuring accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cake’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with dry ingredients.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may cause uneven baking. Make sure to preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
- Forgetting the soaking process: Skipping the lemon drizzle soaking can result in a dry loaf. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor and moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Freezing The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
- Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf.
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours, but this may affect texture and flavor. Stick to blends designed for baking when possible.
How do I make this loaf sweeter?
You can add more agave or maple syrup according to your taste preferences. Just be careful not to change the liquid-to-dry ingredient ratio too much.
What can I substitute for yoghurt?
Unsweetened applesauce or silken tofu are great alternatives if you want to replace yoghurt while keeping it vegan and moist.
Can I make The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it in advance and store it as directed. Just add the drizzle right before serving for freshness.
Final Thoughts
The EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf is not only delicious but also adaptable. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with vegan icing, this cake brings joy and comfort with every slice. Feel free to customize it with different citrus flavors or add-ins like poppy seeds or nuts!
EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Indulge in the EASIEST Gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Loaf, a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your table. This moist and fluffy loaf is not just gluten-free; it’s also vegan and oil-free, making it a perfect option for everyone. With vibrant lemon flavor and a sweet drizzle that perfectly complements its light texture, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a simple snack. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake will surely impress your guests. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a refreshing addition to any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten-free
Ingredients
- 150 g Ground Almonds
- 150 g Gluten-free Plain Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ cup Yoghurt
- Juice and zest of 2 Lemons
- ¼ cup Agave or Maple Syrup
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Icing Sugar for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground almonds, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add yoghurt, lemon juice & zest, agave/maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing icing sugar with lemon juice.
- Once baked, poke holes in the loaf and pour the drizzle over it. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
