Print

Zesty Lemon Loaf

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Zesty Lemon Loaf is a bright, tender, and moist pound cake infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, then topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect with coffee or tea, it’s a refreshing and easy treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream (optional, to adjust glaze thickness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
  2. Cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice, adding milk or cream if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Add poppy seeds or blueberries for variations.
  • Replace sour cream with yogurt or crème fraîche if preferred.
  • Loaf freezes well without the glaze—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
  • Adjust glaze consistency with more sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/zesty-lemon-loaf/