Bright, zesty, and perfectly sweet, a lemon loaf is one of those timeless bakes that never disappoints. With its soft, moist crumb and refreshing citrus flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for everything from morning coffee to afternoon treats. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together quickly while delivering bakery-quality results at home.
Classic Easy Lemon Loaf
Light, tender, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor—this loaf is as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Flavor:
Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Combine:
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Glaze:
Let the loaf cool completely. Mix icing sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the top for a sweet, tangy finish.
Why It Works
The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives this loaf a vibrant citrus flavor, while the butter ensures a rich, moist texture. The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing sweetness with a hint of tang.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf soft and tender
- Let the loaf cool fully before glazing to avoid melting
- For extra moisture, brush with a light lemon syrup before glazing
Simple, fresh, and full of flavor—this lemon loaf is a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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