Description
This delightfully zesty lemon loaf recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus flavor and sweet glaze, making it an ideal dessert or snack. Moist and fluffy, this lemon loaf is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, featuring a light lemon glaze that enhances its fresh, vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which ensures a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing fully after each addition to incorporate air. Then, stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to infuse bright citrus flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled lemon loaf for an added sweet and tangy finish. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter along with the lemon zest and juice.
- The lemon loaf keeps well wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the loaf for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
