🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this luscious lemon loaf:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 large lemons)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for stronger flavor)

🍋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan (9×5 inches), or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. This ensures that the cake releases cleanly and keeps its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter for a uniform rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air into the batter, giving the loaf its soft, airy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemon

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The lemon zest releases aromatic oils, enhancing both the scent and flavor of the loaf.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and lemon juice. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown with a slight dome.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it naturally drip down the sides for that irresistible bakery look.

🍰 How to Make the Perfect Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice; for a thinner drizzle, add a little more. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of lemon zest or a few drops of pure lemon extract.

Pro Tip: If you want a shiny, glass-like finish, apply the glaze while the loaf is still slightly warm.