Lemon Loaf Cake – Soft, Moist, and Bursting with Flavor
If you love citrusy desserts, this lemon loaf cake will become your new favorite treat. With a soft and moist texture, a bright lemon flavor, and a perfectly sweet glaze, it’s a delightful dessert that pairs well with coffee or tea.
This recipe uses fresh lemon juice, zest, and Greek yogurt, giving it an irresistible balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, follow this lemon loaf cake recipe for a bakery-style dessert right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Moist – Greek yogurt keeps the cake tender and rich.
- Bursting with Lemon Flavor – Uses fresh lemon zest, juice, and a lemon syrup for maximum citrus taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make this cake beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
To make this delicious lemon loaf cake, you will need:
For the Cake
- ½ cup of butter, softened
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 lemons, zest reserved
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
For the Lemon Syrup
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
For the Lemon Frosting
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a 4.4 x 10-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Grease it with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar using a handheld mixer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
- Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and 1 egg, then mix for another minute to combine.
- Add the remaining eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing on low speed.
- Pour in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice, then mix again to combine.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon syrup and frosting.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Syrup
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and lemon juice.
- Gently heat in the microwave for a few seconds until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cake is done baking, poke holes all over the surface with a skewer or fork.
- Pour the warm lemon syrup over the hot cake, brushing it evenly.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Stir until the mixture forms a smooth glaze.
- Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
- Pour the lemon frosting over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with lemon zest for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the lemon loaf cake and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. Its soft, citrusy, and sweet flavor makes it perfect for any occasion.
Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Loaf Cake
- Use fresh lemons – Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients – Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Cool before frosting – Adding frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and become too thin.
- Store properly – Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQs
Can I Use Yogurt Substitutes?
Yes, if you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute. Both will keep the cake moist and soft.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why Did My Cake Sink in the Middle?
This can happen if:
- The oven door was opened too soon.
- The batter was overmixed.
- The cake wasn’t fully baked before being removed.
More Lemon Dessert Recipes to Try
If you love lemon-flavored desserts, check out these delicious recipes:
- Lemon Drizzle Cake – A classic British treat with a sweet citrus glaze.
- Lemon Cupcakes – Light and fluffy cupcakes topped with lemon buttercream.
- Lemon Bars – Tangy lemon filling over a buttery shortbread crust.
Final Thoughts
This lemon loaf cake recipe is easy to make and packed with fresh lemon flavor. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out!
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