A finished plate of lemon loaf cake ready to serve

Lemon Loaf Cake

Quick Answer

To make Lemon Loaf Cake, build a simple butter cake batter around lemon, buttermilk, and powdered sugar, bake until springy, and cool it fully before the final finish goes on. This one works because the crumb stays tender and the flavor actually reaches the middle.

Jump to Recipe

This lemon loaf cake builds a simple butter cake batter around real lemon and buttermilk, baked until springy and finished with a powdered sugar glaze. It's a good match for an afternoon coffee.

It's a good breakfast treat or dessert for a spring gathering. Let it cool before glazing so the glaze sets instead of soaking in completely.

Prep15 minutes
Cook50 minutes
Total1 hour 5 minutes
Serves10 slices
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 to 1 cup butter
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup lemon
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. 1Heat the oven and prepare the pan or liners.
  2. 2Cream the butter and sugar until lightened, then beat in the eggs and flavorings.
  3. 3Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the liquid just until smooth.
  4. 4Spread or portion the batter and bake until the center springs back lightly.
  5. 5Cool fully before glazing or frosting if the style wants a finish.

Pro Tips

  • Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly into cakes.
  • Do not overmix after the flour goes in.
  • Let the cake cool fully before icing or the topping slides off like it is escaping.

Substitutions

Sour cream or yogurt can replace part of the milk for a richer crumb.
Fresh fruit usually needs to be patted dry before folding in.
Citrus zest, almond extract, or cocoa can shift the direction without changing the structure.

Storage Instructions

Store covered for 3 days at room temperature or 5 in the refrigerator.

Make Ahead

Bake the cake ahead and frost closer to serving if you want the cleanest finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Lemon Loaf Cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake ahead and frost closer to serving if you want the cleanest finish.

How do I store leftover Lemon Loaf Cake?

Store covered for 3 days at room temperature or 5 in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Lemon Loaf Cake?

Usually yes. Cool it completely, pack it well, and freeze for up to 2 months if the texture of the dish supports it.

What should I serve with Lemon Loaf Cake?

Lemon Loaf Cake is great with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if the dessert wants something cold beside it.