Zesty Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe: Bright Flavor in Every Slice

Bright, zesty flavors dance through this tangy lemon loaf cake that promises pure sunshine on a plate.

Bursting with citrusy notes, the recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Soft, moist crumbs melt deliciously in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The fragrant lemon essence weaves magic through a simple yet elegant dessert.

Subtle hints of vanilla and bright citrus create a harmonious blend that elevates this classic treat.

Every slice brings a refreshing taste of summer right to your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this delightful lemon loaf cake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need For Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for the cake's delicate texture, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a light and fluffy rise, make sure it's fresh and not expired.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and adds tenderness to the cake crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, moist cake texture.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy aroma and intensifies lemon flavor, use fresh lemons for maximum zing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps activate baking soda.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds depth to the cake's taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and carries flavor, use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, ensure they're at room temperature.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a luxuriously soft cake texture, full-fat version works best.

Tools That Help With Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

• Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for shaping and baking the lemon cake with perfect edges.
• Whisk: Key for mixing dry ingredients smoothly and blending wet ingredients without lumps.
• Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients to keep preparation organized.
• Zester or Grater: Crucial for extracting fresh lemon zest and releasing citrus oils.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent baking results.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal effortless.
• Toothpick: Perfect for checking cake doneness by testing the center.

How To Bake Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

• Warm Up The Kitchen

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F and give your loaf pan a quick butter massage and parchment paper hug.

• Create Flavor Foundations

Grab a mixing bowl and softly blend flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt. These quiet ingredients are about to become magic.

• Awaken Citrus Sensations

In another bowl, massage sugar and lemon zest together until they become best friends. Pour in melted butter, eggs, creamy dairy, zesty juice, and vanilla. Whisk until everything looks silky and inviting.

• Gentle Marriage of Ingredients

Carefully fold your dry mix into the wet landscape. No aggressive stirring – just gentle turns until everything looks harmonious. Transfer your dreamy batter into the waiting pan and smooth the surface like you’re tucking it into bed.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide your creation into the warm oven and let it transform for 45-50 minutes. Listen for that magical moment when a toothpick comes out clean – signaling your lemon loaf is ready to steal hearts.

Tips To Make Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe Better

• Moisture Magic: Brush warm cake with extra lemon syrup after baking to intensify citrus flavor and keep the loaf incredibly moist and tender.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt, and use olive oil instead of butter for a delightful dairy-free alternative that remains rich and creamy.
• Flavor Boosters: Add poppy seeds or blueberries directly into the batter for extra texture and unexpected bursts of complementary flavors that jazz up the classic lemon loaf.
• Decadent Finish: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweet-tangy goodness that makes the dessert look as amazing as it tastes.

Ways To Slice And Serve Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

• Zesty Breakfast Bliss: Slice this lemon loaf and pair with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a morning treat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Elegant Afternoon Snack: Serve thin slices on a delicate china plate alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant tea-time experience.
• Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over cooled cake slices and sprinkle with candied lemon peel for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness that elevates the dessert.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and serve as a delightful centerpiece that adds brightness to your weekend brunch spread.

Store Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the lemon loaf cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain its delightful moisture and flavor.
• Freezing Friendly: Slice the cooled cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, which stay fresh for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Refrigeration Tips: Extend cake life by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it remains delicious for 5-7 days – just let it return to room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter a day ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to develop more intensely before baking, which can enhance the lemon's bright taste profile.

Tangy Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon loaf cake brings sunshine to your kitchen with its tangy, moist crumb. Bright citrus notes and delicate sweetness create a perfect afternoon treat you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease the baking vessel meticulously and line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage. Center the oven rack and preheat to 350F (175C).
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to create a uniform dry mixture, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring even distribution.
3. Flavor Infusion: Massage lemon zest into granulated sugar, releasing citrusy essential oils and creating an aromatic base that will elevate the cake’s overall flavor profile.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Whisk melted butter, eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the zesty sugar mixture. Blend until the composition becomes silky smooth, with no visible butter streaks remaining.
5. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, maintaining delicate air pockets and mixing until just combined. Use a light touch to prevent creating a dense, tough cake texture.
6. Baking Process: Pour the velvety batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to eliminate potential air bubbles and ensure a uniform surface.
7. Final Baking and Testing: Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry, indicating the cake is perfectly cooked. Remove from the oven when the top is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
8. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift out using parchment paper edges. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Zest Properly: Roll the lemon on the counter before zesting to release more oils and maximize citrus flavor extraction.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb; overmixing develops gluten and creates a tough cake texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for smoother batter integration and more consistent baking results.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking the cake at 40 minutes to prevent over-browning or drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg