Lemon Walnut Tea Bread
Lemon Walnut Tea Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with zesty lemon and crunchy walnuts, perfect for tea time, snacks, or breakfast with a bright, nutty profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, shortening, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and chopped walnuts; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 50 minutes.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the lemon icing by stirring together powdered sugar and 4 to 5 teaspoons lemon juice until smooth, thick, but pourable.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Drizzle the lemon icing over the warm bread before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To enhance the lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Walnut Tea Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it warm, drizzled with the lemon icing, or enjoy it plain for a simple treat. For a more indulgent experience, consider serving alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Walnut Tea Bread contains roughly 582 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% 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 use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired. Just chop them finely and use the same amount as specified in the recipe. Keep in mind that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they'll still add a delicious crunch to the bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this Lemon Walnut Tea Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon if it doesn't. This will help maintain the texture and structure of the bread while keeping it gluten-free.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Absolutely! To intensify the lemon flavor, you can add additional lemon zest to the batter, or increase the amount of lemon juice in the icing. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it may affect the consistency of the icing. A hint of lemon extract can also boost the flavor without altering the moisture content.
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).