Lemon Loaf Cake

Bright, zesty, and utterly irresistible — this Lemon Loaf Cake is pure sunshine in dessert form! Soft, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, this bakery-style loaf is perfect for spring mornings, afternoon tea, or a light dessert after dinner. Finished with a sweet lemon glaze that drips beautifully down the sides, it’s the kind of treat that makes any day feel special.

If you’ve ever loved Starbucks’ lemon loaf, get ready — this homemade version is even better. Made with real lemon juice, zest, and a tender crumb, it delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf Cake

🍋 Bright & tangy flavor – Real lemon juice and zest make this loaf vibrant and refreshing.
🍰 Soft, moist texture – Melt-in-your-mouth perfection thanks to yogurt or sour cream.
🌿 Easy to make – Simple ingredients, one bowl, no fancy equipment.
✨ Versatile treat – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting.
💛 Bakery-worthy glaze – A simple lemon icing adds sweetness and shine.

Whether you’re serving it for Easter, Mother’s Day, or a cozy Sunday morning, this lemon loaf will always impress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for consistency)
• Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

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Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and pale. Add Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

💡 Tip: Always zest your lemons before juicing them — it’s much easier that way!

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Step 4: Combine and Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined — don’t overmix! Overmixing can make your loaf dense instead of light and fluffy.

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Step 5: Bake the Lemon Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

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Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable — adjust with a few extra drops of juice or sugar as needed.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a finishing touch.

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Tips for the Perfect Lemon Loaf

✅ Use fresh lemons. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, aromatic flavor.
✅ Don’t overmix. Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the loaf tender.
✅ Check early. Oven times vary — start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
✅ Cool before glazing. If the loaf is too warm, the glaze will melt off.
✅ For extra lemon flavor, poke small holes in the loaf and brush with lemon syrup before glazing.

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Optional Variations

🍓 Lemon Blueberry Loaf: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.
🍊 Citrus Loaf: Combine lemon, orange, and lime zest for a multi-citrus twist.
🥥 Lemon Coconut Loaf: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter and glaze with coconut milk icing.
🍋 Double Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest directly into the glaze for an extra tangy kick.
💜 Lavender Lemon Loaf: Add ½ teaspoon culinary lavender for a delicate floral note.

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How to Store Your Lemon Loaf

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

If freezing, wait to glaze until after thawing for best texture and appearance.

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Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Loaf Cake is incredibly versatile — it’s delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with simple additions:

• Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a spring dessert.
• Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet for a summery treat.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter option.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g

(Values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

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Why This Lemon Loaf Stands Out

This isn’t just another loaf cake — it’s the perfect blend of soft texture, zesty brightness, and buttery richness. The yogurt keeps it moist for days, while the fresh lemon juice and zest give it that real, clean citrus flavor that bottled extracts can’t match.

Unlike heavy pound cakes, this one is lighter but still indulgent. Every bite delivers that delightful lemony burst that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you wanting another slice.

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Make It a Gift

This Lemon Loaf Cake makes a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends. Wrap cooled loaves in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and include a small tag that says:

“Freshly Baked Lemon Loaf – Made with Love & Sunshine” ☀️🍋

It’s a thoughtful, delicious way to spread joy any time of year!

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Final Thoughts

Fresh, bright, and perfectly sweet — this Lemon Loaf Cake is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Whether you bake it for a brunch table, an afternoon snack, or a homemade gift, it’s guaranteed to brighten any day.

With its soft crumb, tangy glaze, and irresistible citrus aroma, this loaf is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles. So grab your lemons, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a slice of sunshine today! 🍋💛

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