English Lemon Pecan Tea Loaf
A moist and flavorful lemon pecan tea loaf with buttery richness, nutty crunch, and zesty citrus aroma, perfect for tea time or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the butter for 30 seconds until soft.
- Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and lemon peel.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs, as this helps create a lighter texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Make sure to chop the pecans finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the loaf. This recipe pairs beautifully with Icebox Hush Puppies for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon pecan tea loaf warm or at room temperature, sliced and accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a light lemon glaze for added sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. You can also enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon pecan tea loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Lemon Pecan Tea Loaf contains roughly 278 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions to help bind the ingredients.
How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
To intensify the lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter along with the lemon peel. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled loaf.
Can I add other nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also fold in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).