Better Than Starbucks Lemon Loaf
A delightful homemade lemon loaf with a buttery texture and invigorating citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensures a light and airy texture.
- 0.5 teaspoon 1⁄2 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened For richness and moisture.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the loaf beautifully.
- 2 large 2 large eggs Binds everything together.
- Zest of 2 Zest of 2 lemons Adds intense citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Enhances the flavor.
- 0.5 cups 1⁄2 cup whole milk For added tenderness.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar For the perfect glaze.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for glaze Brings the glaze together.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Glazing
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
For an extra zing, add poppy seeds for texture. Consider adding a few teaspoons of heavy cream to elevate the glaze. Don't rush the cooling process for slicing perfection.