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 (8.5ร4.5 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:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
โ๏ธ Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method to measure the flour accurately to prevent a dry or dense cake texture.
๐ง Opt for cultured or European-style butter at room temperature for a richer, more flavorful loaf; it integrates better into the batter.
๐ Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice to achieve the brightest, most natural tangy flavor that elevates the entire cake.
- 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
