Description
This moist and buttery lemon loaf is packed with fresh citrus flavor and finished with a smooth lemon glaze that melts into every slice. It’s the perfect easy dessert, quick breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or homemade bakery-style loaf for any occasion. The soft crumb, bright lemon aroma, and sweet tangy glaze make this one of the best lemon bread recipes you can bake at home. Whether you need simple breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, brunch food ideas, or a comforting homemade baked treat, this lemon loaf delivers fresh flavor and reliable results every single time.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for glaze
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk for glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake for 45 to 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 before transferring it to a wire rack.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream to create the glaze.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon loaf and allow it to set before slicing.
12. Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or fresh berries.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest and most natural citrus flavor.
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the loaf soft and tender.
Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing so the icing stays smooth and visible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg