Lemon Loaf Cake Icing

A soft, moist lemon loaf cake bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet, tangy lemon icing—perfect for a comforting weekend treat.

This lemon loaf quickly became a family favorite on cozy weekend mornings.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g)
• Baking powder: 1 tsp
• Baking soda: ½ tsp
• Salt: ¼ tsp
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g) softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
• Eggs: 2 large room temperature
• Fresh lemon zest: 2 tbsp (from 2 lemons)
• Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup (60 ml)
• Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml) room temperature
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g) sifted (for icing)
• Fresh lemon juice for icing: 2 3 tbsp

Instructions

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper

Step 2:

In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

Step 3:

In a large bowl cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)

Step 4:

Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition

Step 5:

Stir in the lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until combined

Step 6:

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing gently Pour in the milk then add the remaining dry ingredients Mix until just combined do not overmix

Step 7:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top

Step 8:

Bake for 50 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean If the top browns too quickly tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes

Step 9:

Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Step 10:

For the icing whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice Add more juice for a thinner consistency if desired

Step 11:

Drizzle the icing over the cooled loaf Let set for 15 minutes before slicing

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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Baking this lemon loaf often brings my family together for a sweet treat and stories.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor add ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the batter Swap whole milk for plant-based milk for a dairy-free version ensure icing sugar is vegan if needed Pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey tea or a sparkling Moscato

Required Tools

9x5-inch loaf pan Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Measuring cups and spoons Zester/grater Wire rack Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk butter (dairy) Check ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens

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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.

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This lemon loaf is a perfect balance of sweet and tart ready to brighten your day.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes the lemon loaf moist?

The combination of creamed butter and sugar, along with fresh lemon juice and milk, creates a tender, moist crumb.

→ How do I prevent the loaf from over-browning?

If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with foil after 40 minutes of baking.

→ Can I use plant-based milk in this loaf?

Yes, substituting whole milk with plant-based milk works well; ensure powdered sugar used for icing is vegan if desired.

→ How is the lemon icing prepared?

Powdered sugar is whisked with fresh lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy glaze that can be adjusted for consistency.

→ What flavor enhancements can be added?

Adding ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the batter intensifies the lemon flavor for a brighter citrus note.