Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the bright flavor of lemon with a moist, tender cake. Topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze, this loaf cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert.

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 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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 line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture, beating well to combine.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter into Pan: 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 is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Cool and Prepare the Glaze

1. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon 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 as needed.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

1. Drizzle Glaze: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the loaf cake and serve. It’s delightful on its own or with a cup of tea!

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	210
Protein	3g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	14g

Tips for Customization

• Add Poppy Seeds: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor.
• Use Different Citrus: Substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
• Add Blueberries: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.

Conclusion

Lemon Glazed Loaf Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its bright lemon flavor and sweet glaze make it a favorite among cake lovers. Enjoy this delightful recipe!