Skip to Content

Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Savor the wonderful blend of classic heritage and tangy innovation that is our Lemon Loaf Cake. With the vibrant, zesty flavors of fresh lemons, this delicious treat elevates the traditional appeal of a moist loaf cake. This recipe promises a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds and leave you wanting more, regardless of your level of baking skill.

The trip begins with the meticulous selection of colorful lemons, which guarantees that the base of our Lemon Loaf Cake is nothing less than ideal. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the star component, and the batter—a harmonious mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and a dash of baking powder—becomes the canvas for it. This zesty infusion turns the loaf into a flavor-filled wonder that delivers a satisfying yet unexpectedly refreshing eating experience.

Your kitchen transforms into a fragrant paradise of expectation as the Lemon Loaf Cake bakes to golden perfection. A culinary masterwork is about to be unleashed, as the air is filled with the lovely scent of lemony sweetness. Prepare to revel in every tender, tart slice as this cake becomes more than just a recipe—it’s an ode to flavor, capturing the mastery of flavors in each delicious morsel.

Lemon v/s Lime: The Better Choice

FeatureLemon Loaf CakeLime Loaf Cake
Citrus FlavorBright, citrusy, and slightly sweetTangy, zesty, and with a pronounced acidity
Zest ColorYellow (from lemon zest)Greenish-yellow (from lime zest)
Complementing FlavorsBerries, vanilla, coconutBerries, coconut, ginger
Potential VariationsLemon-poppy seed, lemon-blueberryKey lime, lime-coconut
Glaze/Frosting PairingLemon glaze or cream cheese frostingLime glaze or coconut cream frosting

Using lemon in a loaf cake would result in a more conventional and sweet citrus flavor that would go well with berries or cream cheese frosting. A lime loaf cake, on the other hand, would have a zestier and tangier flavor profile and go very well with coconut or a lime-flavored glaze.

I suggest using lemon for a classic and versatile loaf cake. Its sweet and bright citrus notes pair well with berries and cream cheese frosting, making it a timeless and universally enjoyed choice.

Easy Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Lemon loaf cake is a delightful dessert, perfect for rounding off a meal or enjoying as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
3.67 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, European
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
  • Loaf Pan
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Citrus Zester
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Oven
  • Cooling Rack
  • Parchment Paper
  • Lemon Slicer
  • Pastry Brush

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest about 2 lemons
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For Garnish:

  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard-sized loaf pan.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for the glaze. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
  • Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
  • Place lemon slices on top of the glazed loaf for a decorative touch.
  • Slice and serve your delicious lemon loaf cake. Enjoy the burst of citrusy flavor!

Notes

  1. Fresh Citrus: Use fresh lemons for optimal flavor – both zest and juice.
  2. Precision in Measurement: Ensure accurate measurements with proper measuring cups and spoons.
  3. Cooling and Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze evenly. Add lemon slices for a finishing touch.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
Keyword easy lemon loaf cake, how to make lemon loaf cake, lemon loaf cake, lemon loaf cake recipe, lemon loaf cake recipes

NUTRITIONAL FACTS (PER SERVING)

NutrientAmount per Serving
CaloriesApproximately 250
Total Fat10g
Saturated Fat6g
Cholesterol60mg
Sodium200mg
Total Carbohydrates38g
Dietary Fiber1g
Sugars25g
Protein3g

Fun Variations

tips to store leftover lemon loaf cake

Explore the versatility of lemon loaf cake by trying out these delightful variations:

  1. Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic and textured twist.
  2. Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of sweetness.
  3. Lemon Coconut Loaf: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist.
  4. Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  5. Lemon Drizzle Cake: Skip the glaze and instead, poke holes in the baked loaf and pour a simple lemon syrup over it for extra moisture and flavor.
  6. Lemon Lavender Loaf: Infuse 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender into the batter for a unique and aromatic experience.
  7. Cream Cheese Lemon Loaf: Swirl a layer of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a decadent touch.
  8. Lemon Almond Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds to the batter for a delightful crunch.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to tailor the lemon loaf to your preferences and create a range of delightful flavors.

3.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating