Zesty & Sweet: Your Go-To Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Bread with Thick Glaze (Top 8 Free!)
Imagine a slice of pure sunshine: a sweet bread with an incredibly soft crumb, generously drizzled in a thick, vibrant, and perfectly lemony-sweet glaze. This isn’t just any treat; it’s a culinary masterpiece designed to bring joy to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Perfect for breakfast, an elegant brunch, or simply as a delightful snack any time of day, this citrus confection is a true game-changer. What makes it even more extraordinary? It’s completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts – making it a top-8-free and delightfully vegan creation that truly redefines “allergy-friendly” baking.
From Lemon Skeptic to Citrus Enthusiast (Thanks, Pregnancy!)
Confession time: I’m not typically one to gravitate towards lemon desserts. Give me chocolate, caramel, or berries any day, and I’m a happy camper. That is, until pregnancy enters the chat. Suddenly, it’s as if my taste buds undergo a complete transformation, and all I can think about is lemon-flavored *everything*. This newfound obsession with citrus has been quite a delicious revelation!
And honestly, I’ll gladly embrace this specific craving over some of the wilder pregnancy food combinations I’ve heard tales about. A delightful, zesty lemon bread is infinitely more appealing than, say, ice cream paired with pickles. Thankfully, I’ve managed to steer clear of anything truly bizarre this time around! (Knocking on wood, of course, as I’m only halfway through this pregnancy, and it’s my first girl – so I’m told things can certainly change! I promise to keep you updated on any future culinary oddities.)
If you can take my current, undeniable love for lemons and then meld it with the comforting embrace of carbs, could it possibly get any better? Spoiler alert: it absolutely can!
The Secret to Pure Lemon Bliss: A Luxurious Glaze
The answer to “can it get any better?” is a resounding “yes!” – especially when you generously smother that perfect lemon bread in a truly thick, sweet, and utterly frosting-like glaze. This isn’t just a drizzle; it’s a decadent blanket of lemony sweetness that takes this bread from delicious to absolutely divine. I had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to adapt this recipe to fit our specific allergy-friendly needs, and I’m thrilled to report that it did not disappoint in the slightest.
Every bite of this bread is a symphony of textures and flavors. The edges achieve a slight, delicate crispness, providing a wonderful contrast to the interior. Inside, the bread boasts a wonderfully soft and moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. And the lemon flavor? It’s absolutely on point. We achieved this perfect balance by thoughtfully combining fresh lemon zest and lemon juice with a touch of lemon extract, which truly helps to buoy up and amplify that bright, citrusy essence, making it JUST right. It’s vibrant without being overpowering, a true celebration of lemon.
As you can probably tell from the photos, I embraced an ultra-thick glaze for my loaf. There’s something so satisfying about a glaze that offers a substantial, sweet counterpoint to the bread. However, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: you can customize the consistency of your glaze to be as runny or as thick as your heart desires, simply by adjusting the amount of rice milk you add. (For those who prefer, coconut milk also works beautifully as a substitute and adds a subtle creamy note.)
Sweet Bread: The Ultimate All-Day Indulgence
One of the most glorious aspects of sweet breads, like this incredible lemon loaf, is their unparalleled versatility. There’s a liberating truth about them: you can absolutely get away with enjoying them *whenever* the mood strikes. For breakfast? Of course! It’s practically a staple for a bright start to your day. For brunch? Duh, it’s the star of any brunch spread, especially with a cup of coffee or tea. Need an after-school snack to quiet hungry tummies (or your own)? Always a winner. As a sophisticated dessert to cap off a meal? You bet! And for those clandestine midnight snack missions? Why not? There truly is no wrong time to indulge in a slice of sweet bread. Ever! Whether you’re experiencing unique pregnancy cravings or simply seeking a delicious pick-me-up, this lemon bread is always a fantastic choice.
A Baker’s Guilty Pleasure: My Little Secret
Alright, since we’re on a roll with confessions, I have one more thing to admit. I meticulously baked and photographed this beautiful lemon bread while my toddler was sound asleep. He, much like his mom, possesses an insatiable love for all things carbs, so I *know* he would have absolutely adored this. But after I finished my photoshoot, I did something a little sneaky: I placed a towel over it and discreetly put it away. I *never* even told him I made it. He remains blissfully unaware that this golden, glazed beauty even exists in our kitchen right now. I feel a pang of guilt, I really do! I promise to let him have a generous slice (or two!) tomorrow morning. It was just *too* good to share at that exact moment – that, and we had a mountain of errands to run as soon as he woke up, so sharing it would have meant less for me. At least… that’s what I’m telling my very guilty mom brain!
While the chilly embrace of winter still lingers, I urge you to add this delightful lemon bread to your upcoming weekend baking plans. The vibrant citrus notes are a wonderful way to bring a touch of sunshine into your home, even when it’s cold outside. You’ll be incredibly glad you took the time to bake it! And, please, learn from my “mistake” and be sure to share it generously with your family and loved ones, unlike me. Unless, of course, you too need a moment of pure, unadulterated lemon bliss all to yourself!
Why This Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Bread is a Must-Try
Beyond its delightful flavor and irresistible texture, there are several compelling reasons why this lemon bread deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection, especially if you’re navigating dietary restrictions or simply seeking wholesome, delicious alternatives.
Allergy-Friendly Goodness
In a world where finding truly inclusive baked goods can be a challenge, this recipe shines. It’s meticulously crafted to be free from the top 8 common allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. This means peace of mind for families managing multiple allergies, opening up possibilities for everyone to enjoy a homemade treat without worry. Utilizing flax eggs for binding and a careful selection of allergen-free ingredients ensures that the end result is not just safe, but also incredibly satisfying and delicious, proving that allergy-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture.
The Perfect Texture and Flavor Profile
Achieving the ideal texture in gluten-free and vegan baking can sometimes be tricky, but this lemon bread masters it. The crumb is exceptionally soft and moist, a characteristic often hard to achieve without traditional eggs and dairy. This delightful moistness is balanced by a subtle crispness on the edges, adding an appealing textural contrast. The flavor is a bright, refreshing burst of lemon, perfectly sweetened. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a hint of lemon extract creates a multi-layered citrus experience that is both bold and comforting, making each bite a truly memorable one.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results
You don’t need exotic ingredients to create something extraordinary. This recipe relies on readily available items, transforming them into a sophisticated and comforting loaf. From the gluten-free flour blend to the plant-based milk and oil, each component plays a crucial role in delivering a loaf that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey into allergy-friendly baking. It’s a testament to how simple, good-quality ingredients can yield spectacular results.
Ready to Bake Your Own Batch of Sunshine?
Now that your taste buds are tingling with anticipation, it’s time to gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this gluten-free, vegan lemon bread for yourself. This recipe is more than just a list of steps; it’s an invitation to create something truly special and shareable (or not, we won’t judge!). You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve such a professional-quality, allergy-friendly loaf right in your own kitchen.

Lemon Bread with Lemon Glaze (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)
1 loaf
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
A sweet bread with a soft crumb drizzled in a thick, lemony-sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or just a sweet snack. This citrus confection is free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nuts; top-8-free; and vegan too!
Ingredients
- BREAD:
- 1 and 1/2 cups gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 flax eggs (3 Tablespoons ground flax seed mixed with 7 and 1/2 Tablespoons of warm water)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- zest of one large lemon
- GLAZE:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons rice milk
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
- For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan well and set it aside.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
- In a blender, pulse together the flax eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and canola oil until blended. The reason I do this is to make the ground flax seed as incorporated and small as possible. If you decide to not use a blender, the flax seeds will be more noticeable in the finished product.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into the greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick entered in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- For Glaze
- While the bread is cooling, add one Tablespoon of rice milk at a time to the rest of the glaze ingredients until you have the consistency you want. Once the bread is fully cooled, pour or drizzle over the loaf.
Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Lemon Loaf
To ensure your gluten-free, vegan lemon bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these insider tips that will elevate your baking experience and the final product.
Ingredient Quality Matters
- Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: The zest contains powerful essential oils that contribute significantly to the vibrant lemon flavor. Always use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. Organic lemons are often preferred, especially when zesting, to avoid pesticide residues.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The recipe calls for a general “gluten-free flour,” but the quality of your blend makes a difference. Look for a reputable all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, or ensure you add the specified amount if your blend doesn’t include it. This helps with the structure and elasticity often missing in gluten-free baking.
- Flax Eggs: Proper flax egg preparation is key for binding. Ensure your ground flax seeds are fresh and finely ground. Mix them with warm water and let them sit for at least 5-10 minutes until they form a gel-like consistency. This acts as an excellent vegan egg substitute.
The Art of Glazing
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when glazing. Ensure your lemon bread is completely cool before applying the glaze. If the bread is warm, the glaze will melt and be absorbed, rather than sitting beautifully on top.
- Achieving Desired Consistency: The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons of rice milk for the glaze. Start with two tablespoons and gradually add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired pourable yet thick consistency. For a thinner glaze, add more liquid; for a thicker, more opaque glaze, stick to the lower end.
- Application: You can pour the glaze over the entire loaf for a rustic, full-coverage look, or use a spoon to drizzle it decoratively. For an extra lemony kick, you can add a tiny bit more lemon zest to the glaze itself.
Storage and Enjoyment
- Airtight Storage: Once cooled and glazed, store the lemon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain its moisture and freshness.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! For longer storage, wrap the unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then prepare and apply the glaze.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, consider serving slices with fresh berries, a dollop of vegan whipped cream, or alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for an elevated experience.
A Sweet Conclusion to Your Allergy-Friendly Baking Journey
This gluten-free, vegan lemon bread with its luscious glaze isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or joy. It’s a versatile, utterly delicious creation that promises to become a beloved staple in your home. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure citrus bliss, this loaf delivers on every front. So go ahead, embrace the delightful tang of lemon, the satisfying sweetness of the glaze, and the comforting softness of this bread. Bake it, share it (or don’t!), and savor every single allergy-friendly bite. Happy baking!
Adapted from: The 36th Avenue