Lemon Loaf Cake Icing (Print Version)

A moist lemon loaf with bright citrus flavor and a sweet lemon icing topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
05 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
06 - Add half the dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing gently. Pour in milk, then fold in remaining dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
07 - Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
08 - Bake 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if browning too quickly.
09 - Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more juice to reach desired consistency.
11 - Drizzle icing over cooled loaf and allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • Soft and moist texture
  • Bright citrus flavor with sweet lemon icing
02 -
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing
  • Do not overmix to keep the loaf tender
03 -
  • Sift powdered sugar for smooth icing
  • Tent the loaf with foil if browning too fast
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