Description
This classic Lemon Loaf is a moist and tender cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect as a delightful dessert or an afternoon treat, it combines the zestiness of lemon with a soft crumb for a refreshing citrus experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to prepare your dry mix.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Then, blend in the vegetable oil (or melted butter), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the loaf.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is cooked through.
- Cool Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess at the bottom.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled loaf for a sweet citrus finish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, poke small holes in the warm loaf and brush with additional lemon juice before applying the glaze.
- Store the lemon loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
