Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf

Name: Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Ideas

I absolutely love baking this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and zesty lemon creates a moist and flavorful bread that's perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast, a sweet snack, or even dessert, this loaf never disappoints. The subtle tanginess from the lemon pairs wonderfully with the protein-packed cottage cheese, adding a unique richness. I often enjoy it warm with a light spread of butter, but it’s just as delightful on its own, making it a versatile recipe to keep on rotation.

Created by

Isolde Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:41:35.101Z

When I first tried making a loaf with cottage cheese, I was intrigued by the idea of incorporating something typically savory into a sweet treat. The results were beyond my expectations! This Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf not only tastes incredible, but the texture is light and fluffy, almost like eating a slice of cake. The lemon zest really brightens up the flavor, and the added moisture from the cottage cheese ensures that the loaf stays fresh for days.

I've experimented with various methods, but what works best is ensuring that the cottage cheese is blended well. This avoids any large curds that might disrupt the loaf's tender crumb. Additionally, letting the loaf cool slightly after baking enhances the flavor as it allows the lemon essence to fully develop. Pairing it with a light frosting of lemon glaze takes it to the next level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously moist with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet
Easy to put together and perfect for any meal of the day
Nutritious twist with the addition of cottage cheese

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in this Lemon Loaf, providing moisture and a subtle richness that elevates the texture. Its protein content not only adds nutritional value but also contributes to the loaf's structure, preventing it from being overly dense. When mixing, ensure the cottage cheese is well-blended; this helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier loaf.

If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute. It will maintain the moisture level and contribute a similar tangy flavor. Just opt for plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid altering the loaf's overall sweetness.

Perfecting Your Lemon Flavor

The lemon zest and juice are crucial for this recipe, as they provide that fresh, bright flavor that complements the creaminess of the cottage cheese. When zesting, use a microplane to create fine shavings; this allows for maximum flavor extraction without the bitterness of the white pith beneath. Always choose fresh lemons for the best result—bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant taste that fresh juice provides.

For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract alongside the juice and zest. This can enhance the citrus profile without adding extra acidity, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled, the Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. This way, you can enjoy a slice of lemony goodness any time you're in the mood, and it will keep for about three months in the freezer. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices gently in the microwave or toaster for a delightful treat.

Serving this loaf is flexible; while it is delicious on its own, you can also try it with a light spread of cream cheese or even lemon-infused butter for an extra touch of indulgence. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon break, or use it as a base for a delightful brunch spread alongside fresh fruits.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese, sugar, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

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 ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled loaf using powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.

Troubleshooting Your Baking

One common issue with quick breads like this Lemon Loaf is the center rising too quickly and then collapsing. To avoid this, mix the batter gently until just combined; overmixing can introduce too much air and create instability. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients can help ensure even baking, so take your butter and eggs out of the fridge ahead of time.

If your loaf seems to be browning too quickly on the top while baking, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning while still ensuring the center cooks thoroughly.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to make more than one loaf or share with friends, this recipe scales up beautifully. For each additional loaf, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of loaves you wish to bake. Just remember to bake them in batches unless you have multiple oven racks, as crowding the oven can lead to uneven cooking.

For smaller servings, consider making muffins instead of a loaf. Fill muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is a fun way to customize portion sizes, and they make fantastic snacks!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, though 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 this loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What can I serve with the loaf?

It’s delicious on its own, but serves well with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.