Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that the bread will bake evenly and rise properly. While the oven is preheating, prepare your loaf pan. You can either grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to remove the bread after baking. Simply lift the parchment paper out of the pan, and the bread will come out with it.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the flour. The baking powder is essential for leavening the bread and giving it a light and airy texture. The salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to control the leavening process.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg, egg yolk, sugar, and lemon zest together for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which will result in a tender crumb. The lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the bread. Then, add the oil, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and milk to the mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the bread dense and chewy. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the slivered almonds. These add a nice crunch and visual appeal to the bread. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the bread in the pan allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. Once the bread is completely cool, you can slice and enjoy it!