Lemon & Lavender Bread 🍋
Ingredients:
Bread:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. dried lavender buds
1 cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. lemon zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar
4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Lemon Lavender Sugar:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. dried lavender buds
1 tsp. lemon zest
Detailed Steps:
Bread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a pan with non-stick spray and/or parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in the lavender and set aside.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, and sugar, until smooth. Add eggs one at a time whisking in completely before adding the next.
Add eggs, one at a time, whisking in completely before adding the next. Add the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla and combine.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, whisking lightly just until incorporated. Switch to a spatula and stir in the vegetable oil.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes for a regular-sized bread pan or 20 minutes for mini loaf pans. Check with a toothpick, it's ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
Lemon Lavender Sugar:
Place sugar and lavender buds in a small coffee grinder or food processor and pulse until the lavender has been chopped up but not pulverized (this should only take a few pulses).
Put sugar in a sealable container and add the lemon zest. Place the lid on the container and shake to get all of the flavor to combine.
Lemon Glaze:
Add confectioners sugar and lemon juice to a small bowl and whisk until nice and smooth.
Once the bread has cooled completely, gently pour the glaze on top and then sprinkle with lemon lavender sugar right away before the glaze dries.
Prep Time: 20 mins. Cook Time: 40 mins.
Total Time: 1 hr.
Lemon and lavender make a uniquely fragrant and refreshing combination that brings both floral and citrus notes to baked goods, making this Lemon & Lavender Bread a perfect treat for spring and summer. Lavender, known for its calming aroma and subtle sweet taste, adds an elegant touch when paired with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest. Using dried lavender buds in the bread and the sugar topping ensures a pleasantly floral flavor without overpowering the palate. To enhance the flavor balance, it’s important to use food-grade culinary lavender, as other lavender varieties can taste bitter. Incorporating sour cream in the batter contributes to a moist and tender crumb, while vegetable oil adds richness without heaviness. The gentle folding technique when mixing dry and wet ingredients helps maintain an airy texture. The lemon glaze made from confectioners sugar and fresh lemon juice lends a sweet yet zesty finish that complements the aromatic bread. Immediately sprinkling the lemon lavender sugar on top of the glaze before it dries locks in a beautiful decorative touch as well as extra bursts of flavor with every bite. For best results, use fresh lemon zest and juice, and pulse the lavender buds with sugar in a food processor or coffee grinder just enough to release their fragrance without pulverizing them to powder. Baking times vary depending on loaf size; a toothpick test ensures perfect doneness. This recipe not only offers a delicious baked good but also showcases how simple flower and citrus ingredients can elevate home baking. Experimenting with lavender in desserts is a growing trend that pairs particularly well with lemon, honey, or vanilla bases to create gourmet-flavored treats that appeal to both the eyes and taste buds. Whether for an afternoon tea, brunch, or gift, Lemon & Lavender Bread is a charming and flavorful choice to impress family and friends.