The Bright & Zesty Ultimate Lemon Loaf Recipe You’ll Love

Lemon loaf reimagines ordinary baking into a zesty culinary adventure that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Bright, tangy flavors dance across your palate with each delightful slice of this sunshine-infused treat.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable experience that goes beyond simple dessert expectations.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward yet impressive recipe with confidence.

Subtle citrus notes weave through a tender crumb, creating a balanced and refreshing profile that delights the senses.

Minimal ingredients and uncomplicated techniques make this lemon loaf accessible for anyone craving a touch of sweet elegance.

Prepare to elevate your baking repertoire with a recipe that guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Lemon Loaf That’s Zesty and Soft Every Time

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: This lemon loaf delivers an explosive zesty punch that awakens your taste buds with vibrant, refreshing lemon flavor in every single bite.
• Master Quick and Easy Baking: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delightful homemade dessert without complicated techniques.
• Create Moisture Magic: The double-moisture technique using both lemon syrup and glaze ensures an incredibly soft, tender cake that stays wonderfully moist and prevents any dry crumbly texture, guaranteeing a luxurious eating experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions like afternoon tea, breakfast treats, dessert after dinner, or simple weekend baking projects that will impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Lemon Loaf

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moist texture, choose unsalted for better control of sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb, white granulated sugar works best.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and bright flavor, use fresh lemons for maximum zestiness.

• Flour: Gives structure to the cake, all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for best results.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness, use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy flavor and moisture, fresh squeezed lemons are ideal.

• Icing Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze, sift to remove any lumps.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps create glossy icing, freshly squeezed recommended.

How to Bake a Moist Lemon Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Gear

Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring sides are fully covered.

Step 2: Create Butter Mixture

• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Lemon zest

Whisk until ingredients are smoothly integrated.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder

Stir gently to prevent overmixing.

Step 5: Add Liquid Flavor

Pour lemon juice into batter. Gently mix until liquid is completely incorporated.

Step 6: Fill Baking Pan

Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan. Fill approximately two-thirds full to allow rising space.

Step 7: Bake The Loaf

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cake

Remove from oven. Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling rack.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency.

Step 10: Glaze The Loaf

Position cooling rack over a catchment plate. Drizzle glaze evenly across cake surface.

Step 11: Create Lemon Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice and sugar. Simmer until mixture reduces to syrupy texture.

Step 12: Enhance Moisture

Gently poke small holes across cake surface. Slowly pour warm syrup, allowing it to seep into cake.

Step 13: Final Touch

Let cake cool completely. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Enjoy your wonderfully zesty lemon loaf!

Tips for a Perfect Lemon Loaf Crumb

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a fine grater to extract maximum lemon zest without touching the bitter white pith underneath.
• Prevent Sinking Flour: Sift your flour and gently fold it into the wet ingredients to avoid dense, heavy cake texture.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother, more even cake batter mixing.
• Test Cake Doneness: Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
• Glaze Perfection: Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from becoming runny and sliding off the sides.

Best Storage Tips for Lemon Loaf

• Refrigeration: Store the lemon loaf in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: If serving within 1-2 days, store the loaf on the counter in a sealed container. Ensure the space is cool and away from direct sunlight to preserve its texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature. For best results, let the slice sit out for 10 minutes before serving to restore its soft, moist texture.

What to Serve with Your Lemon Loaf

• Brew Refreshing Tea Pairings: Complement the zesty lemon loaf with Earl Grey or chamomile tea, which beautifully balance the cake's bright citrus notes and provide a soothing contrast to its sweet intensity.
• Create Creamy Accompaniments: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the loaf's tangy flavor and add a luxurious, smooth texture.
• Match Citrus-Friendly Wines: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Prosecco that echoes the lemon's bright acidity, creating a delightful harmony between the dessert and beverage that elevates the overall tasting experience.

Lemon Loaf Variations That Wow

• Lavender Lemon Loaf: Infuse the batter with dried lavender flowers for a fragrant and elegant twist. Steep lavender in warm butter before mixing to enhance the floral notes.
• Orange Citrus Companion: Replace lemon zest and juice with fresh orange components. Swap citrus fruits while maintaining the same measurement ratios for a bright, sunny flavor profile.
• Olive Oil Mediterranean Version: Substitute melted butter with extra virgin olive oil for a healthier, more Mediterranean-inspired cake. Add a touch of rosemary or thyme to complement the olive oil's rich taste.
• Almond Lemon Comfort: Incorporate ground almonds into the flour mixture for added texture and nutty undertones. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking to create a crunchy, golden-brown surface.

The Ultimate Lemon Loaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Zesty Italian lemon loaf brings sunshine to your kitchen with its bright, tangy flavor. Moist crumb and delicate glaze create a perfect slice of citrusy happiness you’ll savor with every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 gr) sugar
• 1 stick (120 gr) melted butter
• 3 eggs (165 gr)
• 1 ¼ cup (150 gr) flour

Lemon Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 lemons (80 gr) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Glaze/Syrup Ingredients:

• ½ lemon (25 gr) lemon juice
• 1 ⅓ cup (130 gr) icing sugar
• 2–3 lemons (100 gr) lemon juice
• ½ cup (100 gr) sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 170°C, ensuring an ideal baking temperature for the lemon loaf.
2. Create a foundational mixture by combining melted butter, sugar, and fresh lemon zest in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and fragrant.
3. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to achieve a cohesive texture.
4. Gradually fold in flour and baking powder, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a light consistency.
5. Introduce fresh lemon juice to the batter, stirring carefully to distribute the citrusy flavor evenly.
6. Carefully line a cake tin with baking paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, filling approximately two-thirds of the space to allow room for rising.
8. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress.
9. Test the loaf’s doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should emerge clean and dry.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest on a cooling rack until it reaches a tepid temperature.
11. Wrap the partially cooled loaf in cling film, letting it continue cooling to room temperature.
12. Prepare a glossy glaze by thoroughly mixing icing sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and free of lumps.
13. Position a plate beneath the cooling rack to catch excess icing.
14. Gently unwrap the cooled loaf and pour the prepared glaze over the surface.
15. Use a knife or spatula to spread the icing evenly, ensuring a thin, elegant coating.
16. Return the rack to the oven at a low 100°C for 8 minutes to set the icing, creating a silky, delicate finish.
17. Create an optional lemon syrup by simmering lemon juice and sugar in a pan until it transforms into a rich, glossy syrup.
18. Delicately puncture small holes across the cake’s surface using a skewer or fork.
19. Drizzle the warm lemon syrup over the perforated cake, allowing it to seep into the crumb and intensify the citrus flavor.

Notes

• Ensure butter is melted and at room temperature for smooth blending and optimal cake texture.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent waste.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant and authentic citrusy taste in the loaf.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a knife or skewer in the center – it should come out clean without wet batter.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent icing from melting and running off.
• Poke holes in the cake while warm to help syrup and glaze absorb deeply, creating a moist and flavorful result.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg