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Iced Lemon Loaf 73.png

Iced Lemon Loaf

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๐Ÿ‹ Treat yourself to a moist, tender crumb infused with bright lemon zest and juice, delivering a refreshing tangy burst that’s light yet satisfying.
๐ŸŽ‚ This easy-to-make loaf cake with sweet lemon icing is perfect for afternoon tea or brunch, offering a homemade delight that’s effortlessly elegant and crowd-pleasing.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 slices

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1/4 tsp salt

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

– 1 cup (210g) unsalted cultured butter, room temperature and sliced into tablespoons

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 3 large eggs, room temperature

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1/4 cup (65ml) milk, room temperature

– 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

– 1 cup (110g) powdered sugar

– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

– 1 tbsp milk or 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Pan Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Grease and line a 1-pound loaf pan (8.5ร—4.5 inches) with parchment paper. This narrower pan bakes evenly; aluminized steel works best for heat flow. Spoon and level flour to avoid density.

2-Second Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Use mixer on low until blended. This reverse-creaming start slows gluten for tenderness.

3-Third Step: Add Butter Add 1 cup (210g) unsalted cultured butter, sliced into tablespoons and at room temperature. Mix on medium speed until smooth and combined, like thick sand. Cultured butter's tang elevates flavor.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare Wet Ingredients In a measuring cup, whisk 2 tsp vanilla extract, 3 large eggs (room temp), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1/4 cup (65ml) milk (room temp), 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Fresh citrus is non-negotiable for punch.

5-Fifth Step: Combine Wet and Dry With mixer on medium, slowly pour wet into dry. Mix until just combined. If lumpy, bump to high for 10-15 seconds. Scrape with rubber spatula to fully incorporate. Avoid overmixing for soft crumb.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the Loaf Pour batter into pan, spread even. Bake 1 to 1 hour 10 minutes until golden, cracked on top, toothpick clean. Check at 55 minutes; tent foil if browning fast. Cool in pan 45 minutes at room temp.

7-First Icing Step: Whisk Base Whisk 1 cup (110g) powdered sugar, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp milk or 2 tbsp heavy cream until smooth.

8-Second Icing Step: Adjust Texture Tweak with more sugar to thicken or milk/cream to thin for glue-like pour. Cream makes it opaque.

9-Final Icing Step: Ice and Serve Remove cooled loaf from pan. Pour icing over top, spread to drip sides. Slice into 8-10 pieces. Perfect for any occasion.

Last Step:

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Notes

โš–๏ธ Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method to measure the flour accurately to prevent a dry or dense cake texture.
๐Ÿงˆ Opt for cultured or European-style butter at room temperature for a richer, more flavorful loaf; it integrates better into the batter.
๐Ÿ‹ Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice to achieve the brightest, most natural tangy flavor that elevates the entire cake.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg