Description
This zesty Lemon Loaf is a moist and flavorful cake perfect for any lemon lover. With fresh lemon zest and juice incorporated into a tender crumb, it offers a bright and tangy taste balanced by a sweet buttery batter. Simple ingredients come together in an easy-to-follow recipe, ideal for a delightful treat or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk
Flavorings
- 3 medium-sized fresh lemons (zest and juice)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air to help the loaf rise.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next.
- Add lemon zest and juice: Fold in the freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing that could toughen the loaf.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor compared to dried or bottled lemon.
- Check the loaf at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking as ovens may vary.
- For a sweeter finish, consider adding a simple lemon glaze after cooling.
