Description
This irresistible lemon loaf is a moist, bakery-style treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor. With a bright lemon glaze and tender crumb, it’s a sweet, tangy comfort dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Adjust thickness as desired.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf. Let set before slicing.
Notes
For extra citrus flavor, increase lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
Store wrapped at room temperature for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Add blueberries or poppy seeds for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon loaf, lemon cake, citrus dessert, lemon pound cake, easy lemon bread, moist lemon loaf, homemade lemon dessert