DESCRIPTION OF LIGHT & ZESTY LEMON LOAF
Indulge in the refreshing taste of our Light & Zesty Lemon Loaf, a healthier alternative to traditional pound cake. This delightful dessert blends the vibrant zest of fresh lemons with the richness of fat-free cream cheese and the lightness of Greek yoghurt, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Breakfast, Dessert
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 12
CUISINE
- American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Bake
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Easter, Mother’s Day, Spring, Summer, Tea Party
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Low Fat, Low Cholesterol
DISH TYPE
- Cake, Bread
INGREDIENTS FOR LIGHT & ZESTY LEMON LOAF
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (8 oz) block of fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of light butter, softened
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yoghurt
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup Splenda Sugar Blend (or 1 cup sugar)
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 6g
PREPARATION FOR LIGHT & ZESTY LEMON LOAF
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and spices together.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the light butter and Splenda until creamy. Add cream cheese and continue to beat until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, and vanilla.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 60 minutes
TIPS FOR LIGHT & ZESTY LEMON LOAF
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
VARIATIONS
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR LIGHT & ZESTY LEMON LOAF
- Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake freezes well; wrap slices individually for easy thawing and serving.
This Light & Zesty Lemon Loaf offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert without the guilt, making it a perfect addition to your healthy recipe collection.