Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf

Name: Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Zest of 2 lemons; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love baking, and this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf holds a special place in my heart. The tangy zest of fresh lemons combined with the creaminess of cottage cheese creates a delightful and moist texture in every slice. I've experimented with many versions of lemon loaf, but this one stands out for its unique ingredients and simplicity. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a light dessert. The citrus flavor is refreshing, and I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:17:34.741Z

When I first tried making a lemon loaf with cottage cheese, I was surprised by how moist and flavorful it turned out. The cottage cheese not only adds protein but also gives the loaf a tender crumb. I recommend using fresh lemons for the zest and juicing because it significantly enhances the flavor profile.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. It only requires one bowl, which means less cleanup after enjoying a delicious slice. Plus, the aroma of baking lemons makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.

        Reasons to Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor combined with creamy cottage cheese
Moist and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist
Perfect for brunch or a light dessert option

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf is undoubtedly the cottage cheese, which not only adds a rich creaminess but also contributes to the loaf's moist texture. It's important to use cottage cheese that is smooth and well-blended; if using chunkier varieties, consider blending it briefly in a food processor for a smoother batter. The acidity naturally found in cottage cheese helps balance the sweetness from the sugar, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile that prevents the loaf from tasting overly sweet. This is essential for achieving that delightful tartness from the lemon.

The recipe calls for fresh lemons, and using the zest is crucial for maximizing the citrus flavor. Zest carries essential oils that bring a bold, vibrant lemon essence to the loaf, while the juice provides the tang without making the batter too wet. When zesting, make sure to only remove the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith can introduce a bitter taste. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, lemon extract can be substituted, but fresh lemon juice is irreplaceable for its tartness and moisture.

Baking Tips for Success

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter; doing so can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light and fluffy texture we're aiming for. Mix until just combined, and you’ll notice some small lumps remaining, which is perfectly fine. This technique ensures that the gluten doesn’t develop too much, allowing the loaf to rise beautifully in the oven. If you notice that your batter appears too thick, a tablespoon of milk can be added to loosen it, but be cautious not to add too much.

Baking times can vary based on your oven calibration and the specific loaf pan material. If using a dark metal pan instead of glass or silicone, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check for doneness around the 50-minute mark, but don’t hesitate to continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes if necessary. The loaf is ready when the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed, or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover the top with aluminum foil if it browns too quickly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

You can also consider adding a glaze on top for added sweetness!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until no flour is visible. Fold in the lemon zest and lemon juice.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf!

Enjoy it fresh or store it in an airtight container for later!

Pro Tips

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding poppy seeds to the batter or drizzling a sweet lemon glaze on top once the loaf is completely cooled.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf can be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for about 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or let sit at room temperature for a few hours.

When ready to serve, consider heating slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, cozy treat, or popping them in a toaster for a slight crisp on the outside. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled loaf for an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. This makes for a fantastic serving suggestion at brunch or as a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

Customizing Your Loaf

Feel free to get creative with this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf by incorporating additional flavors or mix-ins! For a berry twist, fold in half a cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries. Their natural sweetness complements the tang of the lemon beautifully. If you're looking for a unique flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and a classic lemon-poppy seed combination. Additionally, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide an interesting texture contrast, just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly since they may increase cooking time.

For those who might be looking to adjust sweetness or dietary needs, consider replacing half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that this might alter the moisture content, so you may need to add an additional tablespoon of flour or reduce the lemon juice slightly. Experimenting with these substitutions can lead to delicious variations that suit your palate or dietary preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

While cottage cheese creates a unique texture, you can use ricotta as a substitute, but it may change the overall flavor and moistness.

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try using a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and a plant-based milk to keep the recipe dairy-free.

→ Can I freeze the loaf?

Yes! This loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy it.

→ What should I serve with this loaf?

It pairs well with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of tea or coffee!