It's always a good time to bake (and eat!) lemon bread, and my vegan grain-free lemon loaf is a perfect way to indulge. Made in one bowl (no mixer required), it is packed with lemon flavor and has a fine texture that you are sure to love. 

A New Approach to Making a Lemon Loaf

I admit it. I had a privileged childhood.

The reason: an abundant Meyer lemon tree grew in my backyard.

Adding to that, my mother baked, and encouraged me to bake, too. The sum of these facts was a youth spent enjoying an array of lemon bars, lemon cakes, and lemon cookies as a matter of course (very lucky me!). It's little wonder that lemon is my favorite dessert flavor (second only to caramel).

The start of summer signals all-things-lemon season for me, so to inaugurate the season, I offer a classic, re-imagined: Lemon Loaf, made both vegan and grain-free.

Highlights of this Lemon Loaf

• Vegan (egg-free and dairy-free)
• Grain-free
• Gluten-free
• Made in one bowl
• Quick and easy preparation

Ingredients for the Recipe

This recipe has a longer ingredient list than many of my recipes. I tried many super-minimalist ideas and combos, but they just did not work out. But after a few more additions, and several more rounds of testing, I had a delicious loaf worthy of sharing.

To make up for the longer list of ingredients, the assembly is particularly fast and easy. Here is what you will need:

• blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
• tapioca flour
• coconut flour
• organic cane sugar (I have other options in the recipe)
• baking powder
• salt
• neutral oil of your choice (e.g., avocado, safflower, melted coconut)
• vanilla extract
• nondairy milk (e.g., almond, hemp, cashew)
• 5 to 6 lemons (both the juice and grated zest, for the loaf and the glaze)
• whole psyllium husks (I have options in the recipe for using psyllium powder OR flax meal
• grain-free powdered sugar (I use my fast & easy grain-free powdered sugar recipe)

What Makes this Recipe Work

The beautiful crumb and light texture of this lemon loaf--more of a cake than a bread-- is a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, and a bit of tapioca flour. The result is remarkably similar to an all-purpose flour loaf (but better, in my humble opinion, due to the absence of gluten).

Eggs typically add structure and volume to baked goods, especially loaves and cakes. Their absence in this recipe is overcome with the addition of a small amount of whole psyllium husks. The gelling action of psyllium gives the loaf structure so that once the loaf rises (from the baking powder) it does not fall right back down.

If you cannot eat psyllium, do not fret: I have options for using flaxseed meal in its place. Flax does not provide the exact same amount of structure as psyllium, but it does the job. Note that it will add some color (tan) to the bread.

How to Make Vegan Grain-Free Lemon Loaf

Once the flours are measured, making the lemon loaf is quick and straightforward. Hooray for baking simplicity!

Step 1. Combine the liquid ingredients and psyllium.

In a glass measuring cup, measure the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in the whole psyllium husks until blended. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 2. Combine the dry ingredients.

In a large measuring bowl, whisk the almond flour, sugar, tapioca flour, coconut flour, and salt until blended.

Step 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Add the psyllium mixture, oil and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Stir until completely blended (the batter will be somewhat thick), scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber or silicone spatula.

Step 4: Scrape the batter into the pan.

Scrape the batter into a 9 x 5-inch (22.5 x 12.5 cm) loaf pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (or oiled). Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Bake and Cool.

Bake the lemon loaf in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes until risen, golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. 

Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and cool completely in the pan.

Make the Lemon Glaze 

While the loaf bakes, combine the glaze ingredients (grain-free powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice) in a bowl (I wash out and dry the same bowl I use for the bread). Use the back of a spoon to break up any lumps. Easy!

(Don't forget to check out my grain-free powdered sugar recipe; it can be made with cane sugar or coconut sugar!).

Run a knife around the edges of the pan and remove the loaf. Return the loaf, right side up, to the cooling rack. I like to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper beneath the rack to catch any drips from the glaze.

Liberally brush or soon the glaze all over the top and sides of the cake (lemon heaven). Let the loaf sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows for the glaze to soak into the cake and set.

Delicious eating awaits!

I added an extra sprinkle of lemon zest on top, because I had it on hand, and because more lemon is always a good thing in my book. Enjoy every last crumb of this lemony treat, and happy baking!

FAQ

How Do I Store the Lemon Loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I Use Other Flours in this Recipe?

I completely understand the desire to use flours that are already on hand as opposed to purchasing the ones specific to a recipe. But in the world of grain-free, vegan baking, it can wreak havoc on the results. 

Hence, I urge you to stick with recipe as written.

Any Other Options for the Sweeteners?

Yes! You can use:

• Coconut sugar, or
• Regular granulated sugar

I use coconut sugar for most of my baking here on Power Hungry®. I tested this loaf with it and it is delicious, but...I did not want a brown lemon loaf. But please feel free to swap in coconut sugar if the color does not bother you. You can also make my easy grain-free powdered sugar with coconut sugar (for use in the glaze).

I do not recommend sugar-free alternatives for this particular recipe. The sugar adds volume and structure that sugar-free options cannot. This can likely be overcome with some additional experimentation.

My Loaf Did Not Turn Out as Expected. Why?

The most likely reason is that the measurements for the flours were off (most likely too much flour). For the greatest accuracy, weigh the flour to the gram. If using cups to measure, very lightly spoon the flours into the measuring cups and level the tops to avoid over packing.

It is also a good idea to check the potency of your baking powder. If it has lost some of its leavening power, the bread will not rise properly.

Happy baking, everyone!

More Citrus Love

If you love all things lemon (or lime), be sure to check out these other easy, citrusy recipes:

• Grain-Free & Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Lemon Poppy Seed Almond Flour Bread {vegan, grain-free}
• Lemon Cardamom Shortbread Cookies (vegan, grain-free}
• Vegan Cashew Cream Lime Pie {gluten-free}
• Coconut Lime Chickpea Flour Muffins {vegan, grain-free}