Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake
Description
This soft and buttery Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is bright, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with real lemon juice and zest, the cake has a tender crumb and a sweet-tangy glaze that drips beautifully over every slice. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, dessert, or special gatherings, this classic loaf stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until smooth.
- Pour batter into loaf pan and bake 45–55 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and serve.
Notes
- Fresh lemons give the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
- The glaze thickens as it sets.
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Tips
- Add poppy seeds for extra texture.
- For a richer loaf, substitute sour cream for milk.
- Warm slices slightly before serving for bakery-style flavor.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
Servings
Makes 8–10 slices.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Benefits
- Lemons provide vitamin C and refreshing flavor.
- Homemade cake contains fewer preservatives than store-bought desserts.
- Great comfort dessert for gatherings and celebrations.
- Can be customized with berries, nuts, or yogurt.
Q & A
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing or using cold ingredients can make the cake heavy.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Q: How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste.
Q: What pairs well with lemon loaf cake?
Tea, coffee, whipped cream, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream pair wonderfully.
This Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is simple, elegant, and full of sunny citrus flavor. The balance of sweet glaze and fresh lemon makes every slice irresistible, whether served as a casual snack or a beautiful dessert centerpiece.