This easy lemon cake loaf recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, this is a delicious homemade lemon bread to make. Made with fresh lemon zest and pure lemon extract, this homemade lemon cake is soft, moist, and bursting with bright lemon flavor!
The best lemon pound cake
If you’re looking for an easy lemon bread recipe to make from scratch, this lemon bread is one you’ll want to add to your baking list. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a simple dessert when you’re craving something sweet and citrusy.
We love a good lemon recipe (we’ve shared our blueberry lemon loaf in the past), and it’s always nice to have recipes on hand that don’t require a ton of ingredients or steps. This homemade lemon loaf cake is just that! It’s easy to prepare, bakes in a standard 9×5 loaf pan, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
If you happen to be a fan of the Starbucks lemon loaf, this recipe really tastes just like it! The combination of lemon zest and lemon extract gives this cake that rich, bakery-style lemon flavor, while the Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness, making this lemon bread soft and tender instead of dry.
Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply looking for an easy lemon dessert recipe, this lemon loaf is sure to become a favorite! Topped with a simple homemade lemon glaze, it’s a sweet treat that tastes like something you’d pick up at your favorite bakery.
A Lemon Loaf Cake to Love
There’s something about lemon desserts that I absolutely love. They’re sweet without being too heavy, and that fresh citrus flavor makes them feel a little brighter and more refreshing than your typical dessert.
This easy lemon loaf bread is one of those recipes that works for just about any occasion. It’s delicious served alongside a cup of coffee in the morning, makes a great afternoon snack, and is sweet enough to enjoy after dinner.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Cake Loaf Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this lemon loaf cake:
- Easy to make from scratch: You don’t need a boxed cake mix or complicated baking techniques. This easy lemon bread recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Moist and tender: Yogurt helps create a soft, delicious cake with a tender crumb.
- Full of lemon flavor: Fresh lemon zest and pure lemon extract give this cake a bright, citrusy taste.
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, serve it at brunch, or make it as an easy dessert.
- A delicious copycat Starbucks lemon loaf: We used to order the lemon loaf at Starbucks all the time, and now we can make it! If you love Starbucks lemon loaf, this homemade version is a fun way to enjoy a similar bakery-style treat at home.
- Easy to customize: You can add berries, poppy seeds, or even a little extra lemon zest to change things up.
- Great for sharing: This lemon pound cake makes a wonderful homemade treat for family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Easy Lemon Loaf Cake Ingredients
One of the things I love about this homemade lemon cake recipe is that it uses basic baking ingredients. You may already have most of them in your pantry and refrigerator – just make sure you have fresh lemons and lemon extract. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy lemon loaf recipe.
Ingredients for the Lemon Bread and Lemon Glaze:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Greek yogurt
- Butter
- Lemon zest
- Lemon extract
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
How to Make a Moist Lemon Cake Loaf
Making this easy lemon loaf cake from scratch is simple! The batter comes together quickly, and the oven does most of the work. I also love how the lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and tangy lemon flavor without being too overpowering.
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Melt the stick of butter and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, melted butter, lemon zest (2 tbsp.), and lemon extract. Mix all ingredients well until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add your flour, baking powder, and salt directly to the large bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just combined – and be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, which may cause your lemon loaf cake to become dense or tough. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Bake the Lemon Loaf Cake
Pour the lemon cake batter into your loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until your toothpick test in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. You want the loaf to be golden on top and fully baked in the center.
Once your lemon loaf cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the bread loaf and transfer it to a plate or cutting board. Allow the lemon cake to cool before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Homemade Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the top of the cake but thin enough to drizzle. When the loaf is cool, pour the lemon glaze evenly over the lemon loaf cake. This is important because glazing a warm cake can cause the lemon glaze to melt and run right off the loaf.
Take your extra reserved lemon zest and dust it over the top of the lemon glaze. Now you’re ready to slice and enjoy a delicious piece of the best lemon cake!
Easy Lemon Cake Loaf Recipe
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- large mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the lemon cake loaf
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 stick butter melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest + 1 tsp, set aside
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure lemon extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour unpacked
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the lemon glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan with your favorite oil (I use olive oil spray).
- In a large bowl, add eggs, sugar, Greek yogurt, butter, 2 tbsp. lemon zest, and lemon extract until smooth and well mixed.
- Next, add flour (do not pack), baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Carefully fold the ingredients together with your spatula until combined. Do not overmix; lumps in the batter are normal.
- Pour the lemon bread batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove from the pan and set onto a plate or cutting board for slicing.
- To make the lemon glaze, add powdered sugar and lemon juice to a small bowl and mix well until thick and smooth. Pour evenly over the cooled loaf and spread it evenly; some of the glaze may drip down the sides of the cake.
- Take the teaspoon of reserved lemon zest and evenly dust it over the top of the lemon glaze. Your lemon loaf cake is now ready to slice and serve!
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Cake Loaf
Here are a few simple baking tips that can help you get the best results with this easy lemon bread recipe.
- Use fresh lemons – you technically *could* use lemon juice, but I think it will mess up the flavor, making it taste kinda artificial. My opinion!
- Don’t skip the lemon extract – It’s mandatory! If you want a strong lemon flavor, pure lemon extract is an important ingredient.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Whenever possible, allow your eggs and yogurt to come to room temperature before mixing the batter. I don’t always do this, but it does work out better.
- Check the cake for doneness – Every oven is a little different, so don’t rely solely on the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Lemon loaf storage – Store the cake at room temperature for 2 days, then refrigerate up to 5 days. I doubt there will be anything left, but if there is, you can pop it into the freezer.
Enjoy This Easy Lemon Cake Loaf Recipe!
This easy lemon loaf cake recipe is one of those simple homemade treats that you can make whenever you’re craving something sweet and citrusy. Whether you serve it for breakfast or enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, it’s a delicious way to add a little sunshine to your day.
If you try this easy lemon cake loaf recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! We typically finish this lemon loaf by day two, so if your family is like mine, don’t expect too many leftovers!
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