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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 large eggs - ½ cup milk - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 2 lemons - 2 teaspoons baking powder - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract When I bake my Easy Lemon Loaf Cake, I always start with these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the cake yummy and moist. What is the role of each main ingredient? - All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure. It helps the loaf rise and stay firm. - Granulated sugar adds sweetness. It also helps the cake brown nicely in the oven. - Unsalted butter makes the cake rich and soft. It adds a lovely flavor too. What about the additional ingredients? - Eggs help bind all the ingredients together. They also add a nice fluffiness. - Milk keeps the cake moist. It balances the dry ingredients well. - Fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars of this recipe. They give the cake its vibrant lemon flavor. - Baking powder acts as a leavening agent. It helps the cake rise as it bakes. - Salt enhances the flavors. Even a little salt can make a big difference. - Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Using these ingredients, you can whip up a delicious cake that shines with lemony goodness. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cake bake evenly. 2. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter. You can also use parchment paper to help with easy removal. 1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Add in the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Stir until everything is well mixed. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined. 1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it even. 2. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready. 3. Once baked, cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. Drizzle a lemon glaze over the warm loaf, which adds a nice touch. You can find the full recipe for this zesty lemon loaf cake to guide you through every step. Enjoy the bright flavor! To make your lemon loaf cake light and fluffy, start with room temperature ingredients. When butter and eggs are at room temperature, they mix better. This helps your cake rise nicely and have a soft texture. Next, avoid overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing can make your cake dense and tough. For a fun twist, try adding poppy seeds or blueberries to your batter. Both add great texture and flavor. About 1/4 cup of either will do wonders for your lemon loaf. You can also experiment with glazes. Besides the lemon glaze in the Full Recipe, consider a berry glaze or a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Each glaze gives a unique taste and look. {{image_2}} You can make this lemon loaf cake gluten-free. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This swap keeps the texture light and fluffy. Ensure the blend you choose has xanthan gum for the best results. For a vegan twist, you can replace the eggs. Use either flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Also, swap regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. Want to play with flavors? You can add lime or orange zest instead of lemon zest. This small change gives your loaf a unique twist. Experimenting with citrus keeps your baking exciting. Each option brings a new layer of freshness to this easy lemon loaf cake. To keep your lemon loaf cake fresh for a short time, store it at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container. This helps it stay soft and moist. If you don’t have a container, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This method keeps air out and keeps the cake tasty. Enjoy the cake within three days for the best flavor. For longer shelf life, refrigerate your lemon loaf cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you use a container, make sure it’s airtight. Your cake can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. This helps bring back its lovely texture. Freezing lemon loaf cake is easy and great for saving slices. To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap first. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. You can also freeze the whole loaf. Just wrap it tightly, then place it in a bag. Your cake can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This will keep it moist and tasty. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. You can check if your cake is done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Always trust your nose too; the cake should smell sweet and lemony! Yes, you can make this lemon loaf cake ahead of time! Once baked, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, put it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Lemon loaf cake pairs well with many things. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a nice touch. Try a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For extra zest, add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. Each bite will be a burst of flavor! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious lemon loaf cake. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for achieving the best results. You learned about variations like gluten-free and vegan options, plus storage advice to keep your cake fresh. Remember, using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing are key to a perfect texture. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this delightful treat with friends and family. Happy baking!

Easy Lemon Loaf Cake

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Loaf Delight, a sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines fresh lemons with simple ingredients for a moist, flavorful loaf that everyone will love. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create this delightful dessert, topped with a luscious lemon glaze. Get ready to brighten your day with every slice! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring zesty goodness to your kitchen.
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 2 lemons

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

      Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, and stir to combine.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

          Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

              While the cake bakes, prepare a lemon glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

                Once the loaf is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm loaf for a lovely finish.

                  Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 10 slices

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on a decorative platter, garnished with thin lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint for a vibrant touch.