This lemon loaf cake is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze that soaks right into the crumb. Made with real lemon juice and zest, this loaf delivers bright flavor without being overly dense or dry. It comes together easily with simple ingredients and bakes up beautifully in under an hour. Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or an easy make-ahead dessert.
Lemon is so refreshing, so tangy, yet sweet. Lately, I have been on a banana bread obsession and I think this lemon loaf is changing that obsession to lemon loaves! This Lemon Loaf with a Lemon Glaze was the perfect treat for me!
This cake is so moist and has a great lemon flavor. This lemon loaf fits right in with easy homemade treats that feel bakery-worthy without complicated steps. One of my favorite loaf cakes. Another lemon cake that is quick and easy to whip up is this lemon olive oil cake recipe.
Lemon Loaf Ingredients You Probably Already Have
- Lemons (juice + zest): Fresh lemon juice and zest give this loaf its bright, natural citrus flavor without tasting artificial.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
- Sugar: Sweetens the loaf while balancing the tart lemon flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help the loaf bake evenly.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the loaf soft and tender without being dense.
- Powdered sugar (glaze): Creates a smooth lemon glaze that soaks into the loaf and sets beautifully on top.
Baking the Perfect Lemon Loaf at Home
The lemon glaze is sweet and tangy, it goes perfectly with the moist lemon loaf. Growing up my mom always made this lemon drizzle cake loaf, eating a slice of this brings back the best childhood memories.
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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Easy Lemon Loaf Cake (Moist & Bright)
This lemon loaf cake is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze that soaks right into the crumb. Made with real lemon juice and zest, this loaf delivers bright flavor without being overly dense or dry. It comes together easily with simple ingredients and bakes up beautifully in under an hour. Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or an easy make-ahead dessert.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 Slices 1x
Ingredients
Lemon Loaf Cake
- 188 grams (1 ½ Cups) All-Purpose/ Plain Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 250 grams (1 ¼ Cups) Granulated/ Caster Sugar
- 6oz (¾ Cup/ 1 ½ sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 Heaping Tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 3 Large Eggs, at room temperature
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 4oz (½ Cup) Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
Lemon Glaze
- 188 grams (1 ½ Cups) Powdered/ Confectioner's Sugar, sifted
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
- Splash of Milk
Instructions
Lemon Loaf Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and grease a 9X5 loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or large bowl with a handheld electric mixer combine sugar, butter, and lemon zest for 3-4 minutes, make sure to scrape the bowl down halfway through, we want a really light and fluffy mixture.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a small bowl mix together the lemon juice and Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Gently fold the in dry mixture until just almost combined then fold in Greek yogurt. Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack until completely cool.
Lemon Glaze
- While the cake is cooling prepare lemon glaze. In a bowl combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon rind, and a splash of milk. Drizzle on top of the cooled cake. Let glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Lauren Cervantes says
I made this for my Mom for Mother’s Day. It was a hit. The recipe was straight forward and easy to bake. My mom, sister and grandma couldn’t get enough. Wish I made an extra loaf for myself and husband at home. Will definitely bake again!
Elizabeth Waterson says
I am so happy this was a hit for such a special day!! Thank you so much for the lovely review, Lauren!! XX Liz
Elyna says
Okay. This loaf is one of hubby’s favorite “tea/coffee cake”. He notes that it’s delicious, not too sweet & has a delicious lemon taste. You know what? He’s right! Adding the fresh lemon & peel does give it a refreshing taste. Plus, it smell great while baking.
Elizabeth Waterson says
Thank you so much for coming back to rate and review the recipe Elyna, I am so thankful!! The house really does smell great while this is baking XX Liz
Lynn says
Absolutely wonderful. Have made 4 of them and given 3 to friends.
Elizabeth Waterson says
So pleased you enjoyed the recipe four times so far, Lynn! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a star rating and review I truly appreciate it!! XX Liz
Carol says
Wow, I love this!!! My aunty used to make a similar recipe for me and this one reminded me exactly of it!!!! So delish!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Carol, thank you so much for coming back to review and star rate the recipe, I truly appreciate it. So glad you enjoyed the cake! XX Liz
Kat says
Made this for my sister’s birthday and she absolutely loved it (along with everyone else who had some)! It was so easy to make, even the lemon glaze which I’m not sure why but really intimidated me in the beginning. Will definitely be making this again!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Kat, thank you so much for coming back to review and star rate the recipe, I truly appreciate it. So happy to hear this was a hit for your sister's birthday!! XX Liz
Jennifer says
This came our great! Easy to follow recipe! ❤️
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Jennifer, thanks so much for coming back to star rate and review the recipe. Happy to hear you found it easy and delish!! Take care. XX Liz
Annelene says
Such an easy to follow recipe. I recommend definitely covering with foil. The crumb was amazing and the loaf airy and light.
Elizabeth Waterson says
So easy and delicious, glad you agree Annelene! Thanks for coming back to star rate and review the recipe, it helps me so much, so thank you!!! Take care. XX Liz
Jayne says
This is such a good cake recipe. The sponge is soft, light as a feather and moist but not gummy. Lemon is my favourite cake flavour and I love loaf cake, this will be on repeat. Followed the recipe as written except for 2 small things. I always add my lemon zest to the sugar to get nice and fragrant about an hour before baking and I always whisk my eggs before adding them to the creamed mixture, I find it doesn't curdle. Thank you for the recipe, Elizabeth.
Jayne says
I forgot to say that I had too much batter for the loaf tin and didn't want it to overflow so made 5 cupcakes. They were a great bonus.