Lemon Bliss Vegan Loaf

Whip up a zesty and delightful Lemon Bliss Vegan Loaf, a refreshing treat that perfectly balances the tangy lemon with the sweetness of sugar, all brought together in a moist, vegan-friendly cake.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ½ cup (118ml) soy milk
• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (organic preferred in the US)
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 large lemons)
• Seeds from ½ a vanilla pod
• ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, melted and cooled
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or vegan plain yogurt
• ⅗ cup (140g) vegan Greek-style yogurt or Skyr
• 1 ⅔ cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tsp baking powder, sifted
• ¼ tsp baking soda, sifted
• ¼ tsp salt, sifted

For the Icing:

• 1 ¼ cups (150g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp vegan Greek-style yogurt or Skyr

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8″ loaf tin and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create vegan buttermilk by combining soy milk with lemon juice in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, massage the lemon zest into the sugar along with the vanilla seeds to release their aromas.
4. Whisk in the melted butter, then the olive oil and yogurt until well mixed. Stir in the vegan buttermilk.
5. Gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Optionally, add thin strips of vegan butter atop the batter to encourage a crack down the center as it bakes.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a knife or toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8. For the icing, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and yogurt, whisking until smooth.
9. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.

This Lemon Bliss Vegan Loaf is a perfect teatime companion or a refreshing dessert option. Bookmark this recipe for a delightful, plant-based addition to your baking repertoire!