Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf

Name: Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cottage cheese; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; Zest of 2 lemons; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

When I first decided to bake a Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf, I had no idea how delightful the outcome would be! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and zesty lemon creates a loaf that is not only moist but bursting with flavor. I love serving it with a light glaze or simply dusted with powdered sugar. This loaf has quickly become a favorite in our household, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It's surprisingly simple to make, and the results are sure to impress anyone who tries it!

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:45:35.073Z

Each time I bake this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf, I’m reminded of how perfect it is for every occasion. The addition of cottage cheese keeps it incredibly moist, while the fresh lemon zest adds brightness that elevates the flavor. I tried several variations, but I always come back to this classic recipe because of its simplicity and deliciousness.

One detail that I learned is to let the loaf cool completely before slicing it. This prevents it from crumbling and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. A slice with a cup of tea is truly a treat that I can seldom resist!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful balance of creamy texture and zesty flavor
Perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to dessert
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings

      

Mastering the Perfect Loaf

Achieving the perfect balance of moistness and texture in your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf hinges on not overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until you see a few streaks of flour. This method allows the gluten to develop just enough for a tender crumb while avoiding a dense and gummy texture. Remember, a little lumpy batter is completely acceptable and often leads to a better loaf.

The choice of cottage cheese can also influence the final product. Using a full-fat variety will enhance the creaminess and richness of the loaf, while low-fat options may yield a lighter flavor. If you prefer a finer texture, consider blending the cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth before incorporating it with the other wet ingredients. This change can elevate the cake-like feel of your loaf.

Zesty Enhancements and Pairings

While the lemon flavor shines in this loaf, consider experimenting with other citrus fruits. Orange or lime zest can add a delightful twist, while keeping the core ingredients intact. Additionally, spices like vanilla bean or almond extract can infuse the loaf with complementary flavors without overpowering the original lemony freshness. Just adjust the quantity to suit your taste, starting with half the amount of any new extract.

Serving your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf can be a delightful experience as well. A light, tangy glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice complements the loaf beautifully, adding sweetness and moisture. Alternatively, serving the slices with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can transform this simple loaf into a delightful dessert, perfect for gatherings or brunches.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful flavor:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cottage cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine and Mix

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delightful Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf!

Pro Tips

For an extra lemony flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the loaf once it's cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its lifespan, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

For those who prefer a softer texture, warming the loaf slightly in the microwave can renew its softness. Just a quick 10-15 seconds will do the trick without making it dry or rubbery. Always ensure you reheat only the portion you intend to eat for the best experience.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your loaf is too dense, the primary culprit could be overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined. Additionally, check that your baking powder and soda are fresh; expired leavening agents can prevent proper rising and lead to a heavier loaf.

Should your loaf come out too dry, it’s likely that it was baked for too long. Every oven can vary slightly, so I recommend checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. Use a toothpick to test the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If you detect a dry crumb after it's cooled, consider topping it with a glaze or serving with a side of yogurt to elevate the moisture levels.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and will still keep the loaf moist.

→ How should I store the loaf?

Store the loaf wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with the loaf?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream!