Description
Lemon loaf is a soft, moist, and flavorful cake with a rich lemon taste. It’s made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice and zest. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make and always a hit!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs (room temperature)
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2 teaspoons lemon zest
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¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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½ cup yogurt or milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
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1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
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Add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with yogurt or milk. Mix gently.
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Fold in poppy seeds if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
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Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the glaze: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. Let it set before slicing.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk.
Add blueberries or use gluten-free flour for a fun twist.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and airy.
Let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze to avoid it melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American