Lemon Loaf Cake Icing (Print View)

A soft, moist lemon loaf bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet tangy lemon icing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lemon Loaf

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
09 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Lemon Icing

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
03 - Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
05 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly blended.
06 - Add half the dry mixture to wet ingredients, mix gently, pour in milk, then fold in remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
07 - Transfer batter into prepared pan and smooth surface evenly.
08 - Bake 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. If browning too fast, loosely tent with foil after 40 minutes.
09 - Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more juice as needed for desired consistency.
11 - Drizzle icing over cooled loaf and allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the batter.
  • Swap whole milk for plant based milk for a dairy free version (ensure icing sugar is vegan if needed).
03 -
  • Pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey tea or a sparkling Moscato
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