This lemon loaf recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious breakfast or snack. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can whip up this tasty treat in no time. Lemon lovers enjoy this tasty, moist bread with a two-ingredient lemon glaze
This quick and easy lemon loaf is always a huge hit with family and friends. It really satisfies your lemon cravings. If you love lemons as much as we do, try easy lemon bars, lemon curd, and lemon cookies.
What’s In This Post
Ingredients Needed for Lemon Loaf
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder: for some lift
- Salt: just a touch to enhance flavor
- Eggs: large and warmed to room temperature
- Milk: whole or 2%
- Vegetable oil: or canola oil
- Lemon extract
- Lemons: fresh lemon juice and zest
- Powdered sugar: also known as confectioners’ sugar
How To Make Lemon Loaf
This is the nutshell version. See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and full instructions.
First, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake. Let the bread cool for about 15 minutes before inverting.
Mix the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice together. Pour the glaze over the cooled bread.
Recipe Tips
- Grease the pan well with butter or shortening, paying close attention to the corners.
- You might be tempted to use fresh lemon juice in the batter. I tried it, but it made the bread too dry. Lemon extract and lemon zest are the way to go.
- Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough or gummy.
- Don’t overbake the bread. Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Overbaking can cause a cake to be dry and the edges to brown too much.
Storage
Store it in an airtight container or zipper bag on the counter at room temperature for 3-4 days. To freeze, first cool completely, then pack it in a freezer-safe container or freezer zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter at room temperature.
More Quick Bread Recipes
Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk 2% or whole
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well with butter or shortening.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clrean. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. Cool the bread for 2-3 hours.
- Mix the powdered sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice at a time until you reach desired consistency. Pour the glaze over the bread and if needed gently brush the glaze over the top.
Notes
- Grease the pan well with butter or shortening, paying close attention to the corners.
- You might be tempted to use fresh lemon juice in the batter. I tried it, but it made the bread too dry. Lemon extract and lemon zest are the way to go.
- Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough or gummy.
- Don’t overbake the bread. Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Overbaking can cause a cake to be dry and edges to brown.
Karen C
I loooove the citric taste in sweets. I am so happy I came across your recipe, It was amazing. We loved it!…Thank you so so much.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Karen!
Jupiter Hadley
Ohh this sounds like a moist and delicious loaf cake! Thank you for sharing your recipe.
tisha
I could eat anything lemon-flavored and this is no exception! Absolutely delicious!
April
My daughter is addicted to this! It’s so good, we could eat a whole loaf in one sitting.
Ben
I just need a cup of coffee, and I’m set! Next time, I’m going to put some blueberries in this.
Beth Pierce
Blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven.
Claudia
I love how moist and tender the cake is and how much lemon flavor it has. It’s definitely not shy about the flavor!
Samantha
I make something similar and it is always a favorite with my family. Not made it in a while so am going to save your recipe to try
Sandy F
Made this over the weekend for brunch and it turned out so good! Perfect with coffee or tea!
Erin
I whipped it up this morning and it was gone in no time! The lemon glaze adds a burst of flavor to the moist and delicious bread! It’s a winning combination! This is a new favorite in my recipe collection!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Erin! So glad that you like it!
Krystle
This has the perfect amount of lemon flavor. It’s half gone and I only made it yesteday.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Krystle! We love it too!
Amanda
Fantastic dessert for anytime, but, my absolute favorite in the summertime!
Kim
The bread was moist and flavorful and I could have eaten that glaze with a spoon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kim! We love it too!
Chenee
This was a bakery quality dessert bread. The entire family loved it!
Sara
This was such a quick and easy recipe that did not disappoint! Turned out light, moist and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Gianne
The simple ingredients and clear instructions made the process a breeze, and the result was a moist, flavorful bread that was perfect for breakfast or a snack. The two-ingredient lemon glaze added the perfect finishing touch, making it a hit with my family!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gianne! I am so glad that you and your family liked it!
Vicky J
Just tried out this lemon loaf recipe, and it turned out to be a delightful treat with a cup of tea! Definitely a must-try for all the lemon lovers out there.