Lemon Loaf

Lemon Loaf

16 servings
No need to run out to Starbucks to enjoy a thick slice of their famous frosted lemon loaf. This scrumptious lemon loaf cake is perfectly moist and tender and topped with a delicious lemon glaze.

Ingredients

  • granulated sugar
    1 c
  • zest of 2 lemons

    about 2 tablespoons

  • unsalted butter

    melted

    ½ c
  • eggs

    room temperature

    2
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • sour cream
    ¼ c
  • milk
    ¼ c
  • all purpose flour
    1 ⅝ c
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • baking powder
    2 tsp
  • powdered sugar
    1 ½ c
  • lemon juice
    1 tbsp
  • milk or cream
    1 tbsp
  • butter

    melted

    1 tbsp
  • salt
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 1 lb loaf pan with parchment paper or grease well. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the sugar and the lemon zest together. This will help the zest to release and infuse the sugar with lemon flavor.

  3. 3

    Add the melted butter to the sugar and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and the eggs in, one at a time, mixing well between each addition.

  4. 4

    Add the sour cream, milk and lemon juice. Mix to combine.

  5. 5

    Add the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Do not over mix.

  6. 6

    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean.

  7. 7

    Make the lemon glaze while the bread cools. Combine all the ingredients for the lemon icing in a bowl and whisk together. If the glaze seems too thick, add in an additional teaspoon of milk until it reaches a drip-able consistency.

  8. 8

    Once the bread is cool, remove from the pan and pour the glaze over the bread, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze sit for a few minutes to set before slicing and enjoying!

Lemon Loaf

Lemon Loaf

16 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that signature moist lemon loaf from your favorite coffee shop, but without the trip? This easy homemade Lemon Loaf recipe delivers all the tender, zesty goodness of a frosted lemon loaf, right in your own kitchen, no Starbucks run needed.

What sets this lemon loaf apart is its incredibly moist and tender crumb, achieved through a thoughtful balance of ingredients like rich melted butter and sour cream. This combination ensures a consistently delightful texture that truly rivals any bakery-bought slice, making it a scrumptious treat every time.

Prepare yourself for a truly satisfying experience with every bite of this Lemon Loaf. You'll find a perfectly balanced citrus flavor, brightened by ample lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, complemented by the warm notes of vanilla extract. The cake itself is wonderfully moist and tender, never dry, and it's all crowned with a delectable lemon glaze. This luscious glaze, made with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of melted butter, adds a final layer of tangy-sweetness, ensuring each of the 16 generous servings is a pure delight. This is an easy recipe to follow, promising a satisfying baking project for any home cook.

Want to make it your own? For an even richer loaf, consider using cream instead of milk for the glaze, or full-fat milk in the cake batter. If you're looking to enhance the citrus punch, you can always add a bit more lemon zest to the batter. While sour cream is key for moisture, a good quality plain Greek yogurt can be a substitute in a pinch, though it might alter the texture slightly.

This delightful Lemon Loaf is perfect for a special breakfast, a light dessert after dinner, or as an indulgent afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. It's a wonderful way to brighten any day, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

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