Simple Lemon Loaf Cake

I have three adjectives to describe this Lemon Loaf Cake: Simple. Satisfying. Sweet. Let’s start with Simple first. I, personally, love to keep things simple.  Especially, when it comes to a good recipe. I, too, hope you feel the same. And, if you do, then we are definitely on the same page. 

While I love to cook and bake, I also enjoy downtime with my family and friends.  And, now that we are turning a corner with COVID, I am looking forward to seeing the people I care about in person, instead of Facetime or Zoom. That is why I made this Simple Lemon Loaf Cake. It will be my centerpiece when I have my very first in-person get together soon in well over a year.  

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Simple Lemon Loaf Cake

Recipe by Recipe Helper

3.9 from 8 votes

Course: Dessert

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Loaf:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (any kind)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

• For the Loaf:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with baking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar with a hand whisk or an electric mixer.
• Add in the room temperature eggs and beat. Add in the sour cream, lemon zest and lemon juice.
• Fold in the flour, baking powder and salt. Be sure to not over mix. 
• Spread the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes. 
• Allow to cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour before glazing. 
• For the Glaze:
• In a medium sized bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk until smooth. 
• Use to glaze the lemon loaf.  Slice and Enjoy!

Notes

• Using lemon zest in the glaze will give the glaze a stronger lemon taste. For a lighter lemon taste, only use lemon juice.
• Adjust the lemon juice measurements to your taste. 

I may even make mini-loaves as gift bags for my long overdue and much-needed human interaction in-person bonding. I like to make things look pretty, so I will place each mini loaf in a clear bag and tie each one with a cute ribbon, along with a personal message tag. Feel free to use this idea for your reunion too. Simplicity is always at the top of my list.  

This Lemon Loaf Cake is also Satisfying. Why? It melts in your mouth. It is the perfect combination of ingredients. The hardest part will be, having the willpower to just have one slice. No judgment on my end, because I usually have two slices. Come on, you might as well join me.  We can walk it off later right?

And, finally, I described this Lemon Loaf Cake as Sweet.  It is the perfect concoction of:  sugar, butter, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon and then, of course, the glaze. I truly believe that we will agree, that this cake is Absolutely Delicious and sure to be a family favorite.  

If you have little ones, why not create Sweet memories with them, and let them help you make this cake. Remember, you are creating memories for years to come and the sweetest memory of them all will be your own kids passing the same sweet memory on to their own kids someday.  I often remember being mommy and daddy’s little helper in the kitchen. I do believe that I fell in love with cooking and baking as a toddler.  

Of course, someday when I have kids, I want them to help me in the kitchen too. I am looking forward to them getting their little hands, faces and aprons messy. Besides, that’s how memories are created and appreciated.

This Simple Lemon Loaf Cake is sure to be a hit. You can make it a few days in advance if you wish. Get as creative as you want. Do mini loaves, do a bundt cake version or simply a loaf pan or two or three. You may need an extra one for those last minute friends or family members you forgot to invite. Or perhaps, they invited themselves. And, who can blame them?  It has been a while for all of us. My only advice: Keep it Simple. Make it Satisfying. And Enjoy the Sweet Moments with the people you Love! Until the next recipe!