Is there anything more delightful than a slice of perfectly moist and tangy lemon loaf cake, fresh from the oven? This recipe will have you recreating your favorite coffee shop’s signature pastry right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
The Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Serves: 6
Ingredients:
Cake:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (245 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (185 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Lemon Icing:
- 2 cups (220 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch (22 x 12 cm) loaf pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients to the batter, mixing just until combined after each addition, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
- For the lemon icing, sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice and milk, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour the icing evenly over the top of the cake, spreading it to the edges. Let the glaze set, about 30 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a serving platter, slice, and enjoy!
Bringing the Coffeehouse Home
This lemon loaf cake is the perfect treat for coffee lovers and citrus enthusiasts alike. The combination of a moist, buttery cake with a bright, tangy lemon zing creates a flavor profile that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, serving it as a midday snack, or indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this lemon loaf cake is a true standout. The irresistible lemon icing adds an extra layer of richness and sheen, making this cake a showstopping centerpiece for any occasion.
Recreate the coffeehouse experience at home by whipping up this delectable lemon loaf. Your family and friends will be impressed by your baking prowess, and you’ll savor every last crumb of this delightful dessert.