Introduction: A Zesty Delight for Your Taste Buds
Looking for a delightful and healthy treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or a leisurely breakfast? This Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread is your go-to recipe. With the refreshing flavor of lemon and the subtle crunch of chia seeds, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy tea time or as a light dessert, this bread is sure to impress.
What is Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread?
This Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread is a light, airy, and flavorful loaf infused with lemon zest and juice. The chia seeds add a delightful crunch and are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making this a healthier treat. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a moist, aromatic bread that will have you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
The Origin of Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread
While the exact origins of Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread are unclear, it is a modern take on traditional tea breads. Tea breads have been enjoyed for centuries, originating in the UK as an easy-to-make loaf that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea. Chia seeds, on the other hand, come from the plant Salvia hispanica, native to Central America. They have gained popularity for their health benefits, making them a natural addition to baked goods. Combining these elements creates a contemporary twist on the beloved tea bread, adding freshness, texture, and a boost of nutrients.
Ingredients for Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread
For the loaf, you will need:
- 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
lemon syrup (optional but recommended):
- Juice of ½ lemon (~1½ tbsp)
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C / 350°F. This ensures the loaf bakes evenly and perfectly. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier once baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to be incorporated into the wet mixture.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The wet ingredients should have a uniform consistency, and the lemon zest should be evenly distributed throughout.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, with a rich lemony aroma.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If you find the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. (Optional) Lemon Syrup
While the loaf is still warm, mix the lemon juice and sugar for the syrup. Brush this mixture over the top of the loaf. The syrup will soak into the bread, adding extra moisture and a tangy lemon flavor that enhances the overall taste.
7. Glaze (Optional)
Once the bread has cooled completely, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create the glaze. Drizzle it over the loaf for a shiny, glossy finish. This glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the zesty flavor of the bread.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Lemon Flavor: If you prefer an even stronger lemon flavor, try adding an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Healthier Version: To make the bread a little healthier, you can use half whole wheat flour and swap the plain yogurt for Greek yogurt. This adds protein and makes the bread slightly denser.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2½ tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt.
- Add-Ons: Try adding poppy seeds or blueberries to the batter for a fun twist. These additions will complement the lemon flavor and add variety.
- Storage: The bread keeps well for several days, and its flavor actually improves after a day or two as the chia seeds absorb moisture, making the bread even more tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. However, it will change the texture and flavor slightly, making it denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results.
2. How do I make this bread gluten-free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the bread’s texture.
3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! You can use flax eggs as a substitute for regular eggs. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2½ tablespoons of water, then let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like.
4. How can I store leftover Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
5. Can I use non-dairy yogurt for the vegan version?
Absolutely! Non-dairy yogurt (such as almond, soy, or coconut yogurt) works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s plain, unsweetened yogurt for the best flavor balance.
6. Can I freeze the Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or heat it gently in the oven.
Conclusion
This Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread is the perfect recipe for those who enjoy a light and flavorful treat with a touch of zest. It’s easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and customizable to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you’re indulging in it for breakfast, enjoying it with a hot cup of tea, or sharing it as a light dessert, this bread is sure to be a hit. Try it today and experience the burst of citrusy goodness and subtle crunch of chia seeds in every bite!
This Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread recipe is an ideal way to bring a bit of sunshine into your kitchen. So, go ahead and bake this delightful loaf today, and enjoy the deliciously tangy and nutritious treat!
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Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread is a light, airy, and flavorful loaf infused with lemon zest and juice. The chia seeds add a delightful crunch and are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making this a healthier treat. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a moist, aromatic bread that will have you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (150 g) sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Lemon Syrup (optional but recommended):
Juice of ½ lemon (~1½ tbsp)
1 tbsp sugar
For the Glaze (optional):
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1–2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
5. Bake
Pour into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
6. (Optional) Lemon Syrup
While still warm, mix lemon juice and sugar, then brush over the top of the loaf.
This adds extra moisture and tangy flavor.
7. Glaze (Optional)
Once completely cool, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle over the loaf for a glossy finish.
Notes
For a refreshing twist, serve this Lemon & Chia Seed Tea Bread lightly toasted with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a morning coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European / Bakery
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Lemon tea bread, Chia seed bread, Citrus tea bread, Zesty loaf, Lemon loaf with chia seeds
