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 sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Soft Inspiration

I stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in a loaf cake and was instantly intrigued. The rich creaminess of the cheese pairs beautifully with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, creating a delightful balance. I found that the cottage cheese adds moisture without making the cake too dense, which can sometimes be a concern. This recipe is incredibly simple and delivers a cake that's perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Darcy Penrose

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:01:34.982Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in baking, I was amazed at how it added a unique texture and flavor. The lemon zest enhances the cake, making it perfect for warm days or whenever I crave something fresh. I’ve also found that letting the loaf cool completely before slicing makes a significant difference; it slices much better and the flavors meld beautifully.

If you’re looking for a loaf that stands out from the rest, this Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf is it. Each slice feels indulgent, yet it’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making it a guilt-free treat. I love serving this with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A unique twist on traditional lemon loaves.
Moist texture with a hint of tanginess from the lemon.
Perfect as a breakfast item or a healthy dessert.

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in this lemon loaf not only adds moisture but also infuses the cake with a subtle tang that complements the citrus notes beautifully. The curds melt during baking, resulting in a tender crumb while keeping the loaf light and airy. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese until creamy before incorporating it into the wet ingredients, which can enhance the loaf's overall lightness.

Another benefit of cottage cheese is its high protein content, making this loaf a nutritious choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It provides a satisfying, rich flavor that helps elevate the traditional lemon loaf to a more wholesome option. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using silken tofu blended to a smooth consistency as a substitute, which can offer similar moisture without compromising the texture.

Perfecting the Lemon Flavor

The brightness of this loaf is largely thanks to the combination of fresh lemon juice and zest. Always opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled juice for the best flavor; the zest particularly enhances the aroma without increasing acidity. When zesting, be sure to only remove the yellow skin, as the white pith beneath can lend a bitter taste to your cake. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute lemon zest with a few drops of lemon extract, but the freshness of zest is unmatched.

Balancing the sweetness of the sugar with the tartness of the lemon is key to achieving a harmonious flavor profile. While this recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, feel free to reduce it slightly if you prefer a more subdued sweetness, especially if your lemons are particularly sweet. This adjustment might also allow the lemon flavors to shine even more, so don’t hesitate to taste the batter before baking.

Ingredients

For the loaf

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix well all the ingredients for a smooth batter!

Instructions

Preheat the oven

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

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

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

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the loaf

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

Cool and serve

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

Slice and enjoy your Cottage Cheese Lemon Loaf!

Pro Tips

For an extra lemony kick, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled loaf made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once cooled, store the cottage cheese lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To serve, slice it while chilled; this can help to achieve cleaner edges. I love enjoying it plain, but for a decadent touch, spread a bit of cream cheese or butter on top, and garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flair.

For those looking to make this loaf ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or quickly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes it a great option for meal prepping a quick breakfast or snack for the week.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Blueberries or poppy seeds pair exceptionally well with the lemon flavor and can add delightful texture. If you go this route, fold in about a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries gently into the batter just before baking. Ensure your frozen blueberries are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture, which could hinder the loaf's rise.

For a fun twist, you can also garnish the top with a light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice after cooling. This will give your loaf a glossy finish and an extra burst of sweetness. Alternatively, you can top it with toasted almonds or whipped cream for an indulgent serving option that will impress!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ Can I substitute lemon with another flavor?

Absolutely! You can use orange or lime zest and juice for a different citrus flavor.

→ How should I store the loaf?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

→ What can I serve it with?

It's delicious on its own or served with yogurt, whipped cream, or fresh berries.