Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the bright flavor of lemon with a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a delightful treat any time of the year.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)

Timing

Making Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

1. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool

1. Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

1. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

1. Glaze the Loaf: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with additional lemon zest for garnish.

Step 9: Serve

1. Enjoy: Slice the loaf cake and serve. This cake is delightful on its own or paired with tea or coffee.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	2g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Poppy Seeds: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use Lime: Substitute lime juice and zest for a different citrus flavor.
• Fruits: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.

Conclusion

Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is a bright and flavorful dessert that is sure to delight anyone who enjoys citrus. This cake is light, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!