As they say, when life gives you lemons, squeeze that tangy sweetness into a baking tray and make lemon loafs!

This Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Bread is one of my absolute favorites. No need for expensive candles — in thirty minutes, your whole house will be smelling like a citrus grove.

It’s an absolute go-to treat for anyone with gluten or dairy sensitivities. I love to pair a slice with my morning coffee, but there’s no shame in saving some for an afternoon pick-me-up. For all its sweetness, this lemon loaf packs a healthy punch.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup oat milk

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free almond flour

• 2/3 cup chickpea flour

• 1/8 tsp baking soda

• 1/8 tsp salt

The Love of Olive Oil

The star of the show. Olive oil is a game changer. All you’ll need is one slice to feel the difference. So smooth and moist, don’t be surprised if your first bite melts in your mouth before the second hits your fork. 

But that’s the obvious part. When compared to other traditional fats like margarine or unhealthy vegetable oils, olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which play a huge role in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Add in the fact that olive oil is full of powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can help combat the free radicals that wreak havoc on your body’s cells, and you won’t need to feel guilty if one slice turns into two (or three).

Life’s Lemons

That first smack of lemon to your taste buds is enough brighten anyone’s day, which is all the more important as we move into the dreaded cold and flu season.

High in vitamin C, lemons are a natural immunity booster that can help keep you from getting sick at the wrong time. More than that, they promote detoxification, are great for your digestion, and their antioxidants can help contribute to healthy, elastic skin.

Enjoy the Sweet Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is the perfect non-processed sweetener to elevate your baked goods. Unlike refined sugar, natural maple syrup is swimming with helpful minerals such as manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic index compared to traditional sweeteners, which makes it the optimal choice for those watching their glucose intake.

Instructions

1. Grease a 9.5 x 5 inch baking dish and preheat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

2. Mix the following together in a large mixing bowl:

   • 2 eggs

   • 1/2 cup of maple syrup

   • 1/3 cup of milk (I used oat milk as a recommended alternative to dairy milk)

   • 1/2 cup of olive oil

   • 1/4 cup of lemon juice

3. Mix the following together in a separate mixing bowl:

   • 1 cup of gluten-free almond flour

   • 2/3 cup of chickpea flower

   • 1/8 tsp of baking soda

   • 1/8 tsp of salt

4. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.

5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.

6. Garnish the top with thinly sliced lemons and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

Follow me on my socials below to share your own experiences with the recipe. Enjoy!