Sourdough Discard Lemon Loaf
This sourdough discard lemon loaf is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a bright lemon glaze, it’s the perfect way to use leftover sourdough discard while creating a bakery-style loaf that’s tender, tangy, and beautifully golden.
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sourdough discard unfed, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until fragrant.
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the sourdough discard, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Slice - Approximate)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
