If you’re craving something refreshing and sweet, this Iced Lemon Loaf is just the thing. It’s a soft, moist, and perfectly tangy loaf cake with the bright flavor of fresh lemons, finished with a sweet lemon glaze that adds a delightful zing. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf is easy to make and will bring a burst of sunshine to your day.
Ready to bake up a treat? Let’s get started!
Iced Lemon Loaf
Indulge in this zesty Iced Lemon Loaf! Soft, moist, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice adjust for desired consistency
- Zest of 1 lemon optional, for extra zing
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) as an egg substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set aside.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and Mix
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be smooth but slightly lumpy.
Bake the Lemon Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Lemon Glaze
- While the loaf is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
- If you like extra zing, stir in some lemon zest.
Glaze the Loaf
- Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides.
- Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 slice of lemon loaf with glaze):
- Calories: 250-300
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 25g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you want extra lemony flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and an additional teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- For a softer glaze, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a combination of lemon juice and milk.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest or poppy seeds on top of the glaze before it sets.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Loaf: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Lavender Lemon Loaf: Add 1 tsp of dried culinary lavender to the batter for a fragrant, floral note.
- Coconut Lemon Loaf: Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: This Iced Lemon Loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fresh, light dessert, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries on the side.
- Make It Ahead: This lemon loaf can be baked the day before and stored, covered, at room temperature. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover lemon loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the loaf (without the glaze) for up to 2 months—just thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
Let’s Wrap It Up:
And there you have it—Iced Lemon Loaf that’s soft, zesty, and wonderfully refreshing! This loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a tender crumb and a bright, citrusy glaze on top. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this lemon loaf will add a burst of sunshine to your day. So gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful loaf, and enjoy a slice (or two) of lemony goodness. Happy baking!
