This vegan lemon loaf with a strawberry glaze offers a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day. Infused with the zestiness of fresh lemon juice and the natural sweetness of applesauce, this loaf is moist, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful. The strawberry glaze, enriched with optional lemon juice, adds a vibrant and luscious topping that complements the citrusy base wonderfully. Whether you’re a vegan or simply a lover of fruity desserts, this loaf is sure to impress with its bright flavors and tender crumb.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll adore this lemon loaf for its light and refreshing taste, which makes it an ideal dessert, snack, or breakfast treat. The use of vegan butter and nondairy milk ensures that the loaf is dairy-free without compromising on texture or flavor. The combination of all-purpose and almond flours gives it a subtle nuttiness and helps create a perfectly moist texture. The lemon juice not only imparts a wonderful zestiness but also enhances the other flavors. Topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze, this loaf is both visually appealing and delicious.
Perfect Occasion
This lemon and strawberry glazed loaf is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert after a light meal. It’s a great choice for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to bring a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also ideal for holiday brunches or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The refreshing flavors provide a lovely contrast to heavier dishes, making this loaf a welcome addition to any table.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the glazed loaf with thin lemon slices or a few fresh strawberry slices before the glaze sets. You can also sprinkle on some crushed nuts or decorative sugar for additional texture and visual appeal. To serve, place the loaf on a chic serving platter and accompany it with a scattering of fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup applesauce
- ¼ cup nondairy milk
- ¼ cup lemon juice (adjust amount for stronger flavor)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- For the Glaze:
- ¼-1/3 cup mashed strawberries
- ½-3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- Melt the vegan butter in a small bowl. Transfer the melted butter to a large mixing bowl and add the sugar, applesauce, lemon juice, and nondairy milk. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Incorporate the baking powder, all-purpose flour, and almond flour into the wet ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of clumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
- For the glaze, mash the strawberries (you can soften them in the microwave for easier mashing). Mix in the powdered sugar and optional lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the strawberry glaze evenly over the cooled loaf. If desired, garnish with a slice of lemon on top.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy this wonderfully moist and zesty vegan lemon loaf with its delightful strawberry glaze!
