Soft Lemon Loaf (Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free)
This soft, sunny lemon loaf is the kind of bake that makes your whole kitchen smell like a citrus grove in the best possible way. It's tender and moist with a tight, pillowy crumb — the kind of loaf you slice into and feel genuinely proud of. And the lemon flavor? It doesn't whisper. Between the zest, the fresh juice in the batter, and a glossy lemon glaze that pools into every crack, this loaf is unapologetically bright and citrusy from first bite to last. The best part: it's completely plant-based, and you'd never know it. A quick homemade "buttermilk" (just plant milk + apple cider vinegar) gives the crumb its soft, tender lift, while neutral oil keeps things moist for days. No eggs, no dairy, no compromise on flavor. Whether you're baking it for a weekend brunch, a spring gathering, or honestly just because you have lemons and a good reason to turn the oven on — this loaf delivers every time. Slice it thick, drizzle it generously, and don't be surprised when it disappears faster than you planned.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 2 lemons (don’t skimp—this is the flavor)
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment.
- 2Make the “Buttermilk”
Mix plant milk + apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
- 3Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. *Optional! Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers for a stronger lemon flavor.
- 4Combine Wet Ingredients
Add oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and “buttermilk.” Mix until just combined.
- 5Fill & Smooth
Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
- 6Bake
Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- 7Glaze & Finish
Whisk glaze until pourable. Drizzle over completely cooled loaf.