Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe Bursting with Sweet Citrus Bliss

Sunny afternoons call for a delightful glazed lemon loaf that sparks pure joy in every bite.

Citrus magic dances through this light, tender cake with zesty whispers of brightness.

Soft crumbs melt gently on your tongue, releasing tangy sweet notes that refresh completely.

Baking this treat feels like capturing sunshine in a simple recipe.

Delicate and comforting, each slice promises a moment of pure culinary bliss.

My grandmother’s secret technique ensures a perfectly moist texture that keeps you coming back for more.

You’ll find this loaf becomes an instant favorite that transforms ordinary tea time into something extraordinary.

Bake this sunshine-packed dessert and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen.

Lemon Loaf That’s Soft Zesty And Glazed

• Quick Weeknight Treat: Whip up this lemon loaf in under an hour, perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Baking: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Bright, zesty lemon notes create a refreshing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a breakfast companion with coffee, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that transitions beautifully between different meal occasions.

What You’ll Use in Glazed Lemon Loaf

• Flour: Base and structure for the loaf, all-purpose flour works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the loaf.
• Oil: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and deepens the flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar, Fresh Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze for topping the loaf.

Glazed Lemon Loaf – How to Mix and Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Grab a large mixing bowl and a separate smaller bowl.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk until thoroughly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir until all components are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Gently fold with a spatula until just combined.

Stop mixing the moment no flour streaks remain to keep the loaf tender.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan.

Spread evenly across the surface.

Slide into preheated oven.

Bake for 45-55 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during final baking minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Remove loaf from oven.

Let sit in pan for 20-30 minutes.

Carefully lift out using parchment paper edges.

Place on wire cooling rack until completely cool.

Step 7: Create Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf.

Use a fork for a rustic look or transfer glaze to a plastic bag with a snipped corner for more precise decoration.

Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Loaf Tips With Glazed Lemon Pop

• Add extra lemon zest to the batter for an intense citrus punch that elevates the entire loaf's taste profile.
• Toss flour-coated lemon zest into the dry ingredients to keep the zest from dropping to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
• Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to ensure the sugar mixture sets perfectly and doesn't melt into the bread.
• Check doneness with the toothpick test – a few moist crumbs are better than a completely dry toothpick, which means an overdone loaf.
• Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum freshness.

Glazed Lemon Loaf Stays Moist for Days

• Store the glazed lemon loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the unglazed loaf completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
• Let refrigerated loaf sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its taste and texture.

Zesty Sips For Lemon Loaf

• Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: Complement the bright, zesty lemon loaf with a smooth, spiced chai latte that balances the cake's tanginess and adds warmth to each bite.
• Serve alongside Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with a small handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries to enhance the citrus notes and provide a juicy, refreshing contrast.
• Match with Light White Wine: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to mirror the loaf's citrusy profile and create a delightful afternoon dessert experience.
• Enjoy with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey with a hint of lavender to echo the loaf's subtle sweetness and provide a fragrant, sophisticated beverage pairing.

Glazed Lemon Loaf Versions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly lemon loaf that maintains the same moist texture and zesty flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt or unsweetened applesauce and use vegetable oil instead of dairy-based ingredients for those with lactose intolerance.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and reduce the amount of glaze to create a lighter, less caloric dessert that still delivers bright lemon notes.
• Vegan Alternative: Use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, replace sour cream with plant-based yogurt, and ensure all ingredients are plant-derived for a completely animal-product-free lemon loaf that stays true to the original recipe's essence.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of sour cream?

No, sour cream provides the tangy flavor and moisture that makes this lemon loaf special. Substituting it might change the texture and taste of the bread.

• How do I know when the lemon loaf is perfectly baked?

Check with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, the loaf is ready. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

• What if I don't have fresh lemons for zest and juice?

Use bottled lemon juice and skip the zest, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Fresh lemons provide the brightest, most authentic lemon taste for this recipe.

• Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the loaf a day in advance. Keep it wrapped at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Bursting with citrusy charm, this Glazed Lemon Loaf delivers sunshine on a plate. Zesty lemon notes dance through tender crumb, promising a delightful slice of pure refreshment that you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canola or vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry/Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform texture and eliminating potential lumps.
2. Whisk the sugar, sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, zesty citrus shavings, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate container until the mixture transforms into a smooth, well-integrated liquid.
3. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, using a silicone spatula to create a harmonious batter. Cease stirring the moment no visible flour streaks remain, preventing potential overworking.
4. Transfer the batter into a prepared loaf pan, distributing it evenly to ensure consistent baking. Position in a preheated oven and monitor for 45-55 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal crumbs. If the surface darkens too quickly, drape a lightweight aluminum shield over the pan during the final cooking phase.
5. Allow the freshly baked loaf to rest in its pan for approximately 25 minutes, enabling residual heat to complete the internal cooking process. Carefully extract the loaf and position it on a wire cooling rack.
6. Craft the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
7. Embellish the completely cooled loaf by either delicately drizzling the glaze with a fork or utilizing a piped technique through a trimmed sandwich bag corner for precise, elegant coverage.

Notes

• Zest smartly by grating only the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a cleaner, more vibrant citrus flavor.
• Prevent overmixing the batter by folding ingredients gently until just combined, which keeps the loaf tender and prevents a tough, dense texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft, moist consistency.
• Check doneness accurately by inserting a toothpick at a slight angle near the center, which reveals the true moisture level of the loaf’s interior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg