Lemon Loaf Cake Icing

Featured in: Soft Sweet Evening Treats

This lemon loaf delivers a soft and moist texture enhanced by fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a bright citrus flavor that awakens the palate. The cake is topped with a sweet, tangy lemon icing that perfectly complements the tender crumb. Prepared with simple pantry staples and a straightforward method, this loaf is ideal for a comforting weekend treat or casual gathering. Baking tips include careful mixing to ensure a tender crumb and oven temperature adjustments for an even bake.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:11:00 GMT
Moist lemon loaf cake with sweet icing, ready to slice and enjoy as a treat. Save
Moist lemon loaf cake with sweet icing, ready to slice and enjoy as a treat. | dewhearth.com

A soft, moist lemon loaf cake bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet, tangy lemon icing—perfect for a comforting weekend treat.

I love making this lemon loaf cake for weekend treats because it always brings a fresh burst of flavor that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp
  • Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g), softened
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
  • Fresh lemon zest: 2 tbsp (from 2 lemons)
  • Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml), room temperature
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g), sifted
  • Fresh lemon juice: 2–3 tbsp for icing

Instructions

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Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour baking powder baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition.
Combine wet ingredients:
Stir in the lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until combined.
Mix batter:
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing gently Pour in the milk then add the remaining dry ingredients Mix until just combined do not overmix.
Prepare pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean If the top browns too quickly tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
Cool cake:
Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make icing:
For the icing whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice Add more juice for a thinner consistency if desired.
Ice cake:
Drizzle the icing over the cooled loaf Let set for 15 minutes before slicing.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
A beautiful, close-up shot of homemade lemon loaf cake drizzled with sweet lemon glaze. Save
A beautiful, close-up shot of homemade lemon loaf cake drizzled with sweet lemon glaze. | dewhearth.com

This lemon loaf always brightens our family breakfasts and is a favorite for sharing with loved ones.

Notes

Pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey tea or a sparkling Moscato.

Required Tools

9x5-inch loaf pan Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Measuring cups and spoons Zester grater Wire rack Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk butter (dairy) Check ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens.

Warm, golden lemon loaf cake with a generous layer of glistening lemon icing, delicious dessert. Save
Warm, golden lemon loaf cake with a generous layer of glistening lemon icing, delicious dessert. | dewhearth.com
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Enjoy your lemon loaf fresh for the best citrus experience or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make the loaf more lemony?

Adding ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter intensifies the citrus flavor without overpowering the cake's balance.

Can I substitute the milk for a dairy-free option?

Yes, plant-based milks like almond or oat milk work well. Be sure the powdered sugar is vegan if you want the icing to stay dairy-free.

What is the best way to avoid overmixing the batter?

Mix just until dry ingredients are incorporated with wet ingredients to keep the crumb tender and prevent toughness.

How do I prevent the top from browning too fast while baking?

After 40 minutes, loosely tent the loaf with foil to protect the top during the remaining bake time.

What pairs well with this loaf?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey tea or a sparkling Moscato for an elegant touch.

Lemon Loaf Cake Icing

Moist lemon loaf bursting with citrus, topped with a sweet tangy icing for a cozy weekend indulgence.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
50 minutes
Time Needed
70 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Soft Sweet Evening Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Lemon Loaf

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 1 cup granulated sugar
07 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
09 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
11 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Icing

01 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
02 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 05

Add Flavorings: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.

Step 06

Combine Batter: Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients; fold until just combined without overmixing.

Step 07

Transfer to Pan: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if top browns too fast.

Step 09

Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Prepare Icing: Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more juice to adjust consistency if needed.

Step 11

Glaze Loaf: Drizzle icing evenly over cooled loaf and let set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Tools Needed

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or grater
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and butter (dairy). Check labels if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 4 g