Luscious Lemon Loaf Cake: A Citrus Delight

The Luscious Lemon Loaf Cake is a vibrant celebration of lemon, from its bright, zesty aroma to its tangy, refreshing flavor. This cake features a moist, tender crumb infused with the zest of fresh lemons and a hint of vanilla, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Topped with a simple yet irresistibly tangy lemon icing, this loaf cake is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying, making it a wonderful treat for any lemon lover.

Why You’ll Love This

The joy of this Lemon Loaf Cake lies in its simplicity and the intense lemon flavor achieved through rubbing fresh lemon zest into the sugar—an age-old technique that releases the oils and maximizes the citrus aroma and taste. The cake’s texture is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the combination of room temperature butter, oil, and milk. The icing adds an extra layer of lemony sweetness, creating a delightful contrast with the light, fluffy cake. It’s a recipe that promises perfection in every slice and will leave you craving just one more piece.

Perfect Occasion

This Lemon Loaf Cake is ideal for a range of occasions. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, such as garden parties or picnics, where its refreshing lemon flavor can truly shine. It’s also suitable for elegant tea parties, bridal showers, or as a comforting treat to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning. Its bright flavor and beautiful presentation make it a fantastic option for holiday gifts or as a cheerful addition to any dessert table.

Decoration Tips

To enhance the cake’s visual appeal, consider adding a few decorative touches before serving. After icing, sprinkle the top with a little extra lemon zest or thinly sliced lemon peel for a pop of color and flavor. For a more festive look, you can also add edible flowers, such as violets or rose petals, which complement the lemon’s natural beauty. If you’re serving the cake at a special event, consider placing each slice on a doily-lined plate for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup room temperature unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar

For the Icing:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar with the lemon zest. Rub them together with your hands for 2-3 minutes to release the essential oils, enhancing the citrus flavor.
3. Add eggs and whisk (by hand or with an electric mixer) for 5-6 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the oil, lemon juice, softened butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
9. For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Enjoy this delightful Lemon Loaf Cake with your favorite cup of tea or as a splendid end to any meal!