Lavender Lemon Bread

Lemon Extract or Lemon Zest or Lemon juice

OK, buckle your seatbelt because I’m going to try and break down the differences between lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice as simply as I can for you. 

• Lemon juice comes from the flesh of fresh, ripe lemons and has a moderate flavor with some bitterness and acidity that allows for the curdling of dairy when needed for recipes. 
• Lemon extract is made from soaking peels in alcohol or oil and has a stronger aroma and is more concentrated than juice without being bitter or acidic (no curdling). 
• Lemon zest comes from finely peeling the outermost layer of the lemon (avoiding the bitter white pith) and, like lemon extract, has a stronger flavor and smell than lemon juice but without the acidity and bitterness. 

It is best not to substitute, but if you must, you can substitute lemon extract or lemon zest for lemon juice using a 1:2 ratio, but you will need to adjust for the decreased liquid, and remember that extract and zest will not curdle dairy. Whew–that’s a lot of info!

Can I use orange juice instead of lemon?

The short answer is yes. But oranges are not lemons, so the flavor will be a little different–your Lavender Lemon Orange Bread will be a little sweeter and less tart. If you’re looking for a closer match, lime is your guy, or citrus, rather.

This quick bread goes into a traditional loaf pan with no problem and is what I bake this recipe in most often. But making these in mini loaf pans (these are disposable mini pans that I found) creates adorable mini loaves that are perfect for gifting to neighbors and/or hostesses. And are just so dang cute, aren’t they?

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! You can use this Lavender Lemon Bread recipe to make muffins. Just make sure to decrease the baking time.

Can I use lavender from my garden?

While all lavender is technically edible, culinary lavender has the best taste and smell. Also, it has been grown using only food-safe products and processed in a food-safe environment. Your best bet is to stick with culinary lavender, which you can usually buy at a health food store or online, for your Lavender Lemon Bread.

Did you know that smelling lavender helps you relax? Research shows the scent lowers heart rate and blood pressure, putting you in a relaxed state. So baking this bread will ultimately relax you!

This bread smells utterly amazing. Like…seriously!! Lavender and lemon in bread form will make your kitchen smell amazing for hours and hours, long after you eat the bread.

I am obsessed with lavender in food and drinks! I find myself liking almost every shortbread cookie, latte, cake, icing, or cupcake I have ever tried with lavender in it. Why not bring some of those favorite flavors to my own kitchen, right? Save some money and still enjoy my favorites.

I wish you could smell my house! Oh wait, make this bread and you can smell it for yourself! Next time you are looking for a quick and easy bread that still tastes like you spent hours making it, this is it. Make up a batch for your next coffee date with the girls. Or, as I have already, put a few loaves into the freezer for brunch on a holiday morning. You’ll be happy to have something homemade and still easy enough for busy lives!

How to Store LEMON LAVENDER BREAD

You can put your Lavender Lemon Bread in a freezer bag and keep it in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This bread freezes fantastically, I like to make up a loaf for eating now and one for eating later. But be warned…if you don’t get that in the freezer before anyone sees it you can consider it eaten.