Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf

Name: Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I love how baking allows me to experiment with flavors, and this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf has become a delightful staple in my kitchen. The tangy brightness of lemon combined with the creamy texture of cottage cheese creates a perfect balance that is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s moist and flavorful, making it a wonderful break from traditional cakes. I find that this loaf not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also provides a unique twist on classic recipes. You have to try it to believe how delicious it is!

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:57:35.885Z

Baking this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf felt like a fun challenge, especially when it came to incorporating the cottage cheese. I found that using an electric mixer really helped achieve a smooth and airy batter. The result was a loaf that rose beautifully in the oven, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. I love the way the lemon zest brightens the flavor while keeping the loaf incredibly moist.

One of my favorite tips is to let the loaf cool completely before slicing, as this helps to bring out the creaminess of the cottage cheese and ensures that every slice holds its shape. It’s fantastic with a cup of tea or as a light dessert after dinner!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The refreshing zing of lemon balances the creaminess of cottage cheese perfectly.
A moist and fluffy loaf that's great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
An easy recipe that brings a gourmet touch to your baking repertoire.

      

Understanding Cottage Cheese in Baking

Cottage cheese plays a vital role in the texture of this Lemon Loaf. It adds moisture without making the loaf too dense, resulting in a light and fluffy cake. The curds offer a unique texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of traditional cake batters. It's essential to use small-curd cottage cheese in this recipe, as it incorporates more seamlessly, ensuring every bite is soft and pleasant.

Moreover, cottage cheese is packed with protein, making this loaf not just a delicious treat but also a more satisfying option for breakfast or snack time. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using a silken tofu blend, which can mimic the moisture of cottage cheese while providing a comparable texture.

Lemon Zest and Juice: A Flavor Powerhouse

The zest and juice of fresh lemons are crucial to this recipe, providing bright, vibrant flavors that enhance the sweetness of the sugar. When zesting, use a microplane or a fine grater to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the peel. The oil in the zest contains aromatic compounds that add depth to the loaf, making it taste refreshing and delightful.

For an even bolder lemon flavor, consider adding a bit more zest or using Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and have a softer, less acidic taste. If you find yourself without fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can serve as a substitute, but fresh zest will always yield the best results.

Tips for Perfect Baking

One common challenge in baking this loaf is ensuring an even rise. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to guarantee that they activate properly. If they are past their expiration date, your loaf may not rise adequately, resulting in a dense outcome. When mixing the batter, stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened; overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Cooling is another critical step. Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps set the crumb and ensures that the loaf doesn’t break apart when you slice it. Storing this loaf in an airtight container allows it to maintain moisture for several days, while freezing slices makes for a convenient, quick treat later on.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve the best Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf:

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serve this loaf with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra touch!

Pro Tips

For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar on top once the loaf is baked and cooled.

Serving Suggestions

This Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf is delightful on its own, but you can elevate its presentation by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light lemon glaze. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency, then drizzle over the cooled loaf for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.

Consider pairing slices of the loaf with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finish, making this loaf not just tasty but visually appealing and perfect for sharing at gatherings or brunches.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make this lemon loaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it has cooled completely. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll deliciously keep for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a slice from the freezer, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes for a quick breakfast option or an easy afternoon snack without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Possible Variations

If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating different flavorings into the loaf. Adding poppy seeds lends a lovely crunch alongside the lemon, while chopped nuts can introduce a pleasing texture contrast. For a herbal twist, a hint of fresh rosemary can infuse a unique depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon.

For a more decadent option, you may consider swirls of lemon curd in the batter before baking. To do this, layer spoonfuls of lemon curd into the batter and use a skewer to create swirls. This will add a rich, tart contrast to the sweet loaf, making each bite even more indulgent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ How should I store the loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with it?

It's delicious on its own, but serving it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience.