Lemon Loaf Cake Icing (Printable Version)

A soft, moist loaf bursting with citrus flavor topped by sweet lemon icing for a comforting sweet treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

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 an electric mixer or whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully blended.
05 - Stir in fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
06 - Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently. Pour in milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; avoid overmixing.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add additional lemon juice to reach desired consistency.
11 - Drizzle lemon icing over the cooled loaf and allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

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 -
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