Lemon Cake Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

2. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.

2. Mix just until combined, being careful not to over-mix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Prepare Lemon Glaze

1. While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze the Cake

1. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake.

Serving Tip:

• Slice the lemon loaf and enjoy it as a sweet and tangy treat with tea or coffee.