Description
Lemon Loaf is a moist, refreshing cake that blends sweet and tangy flavors. With a soft, fluffy texture and a zesty lemon flavor, it’s topped with a lemon glaze for added sweetness and shine, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool the loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze: Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add extra lemon zest to the glaze or batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg