Easy Lemon Loaf Recipe

4.50 from 16 votes

Bright, zesty, and moist, this Easy Lemon Loaf Recipe is made with simple ingredients and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: slices or 12 larger slices

Calories: 202kcal

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour* a loaf pan*. (8.5x 4.25x2.5)
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
1.5 cups flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together butter with sugar until fluffy.
½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
2 large eggs, Zest from 2 lemons, 2 tbs lemon juice, 6 tbs buttermilk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir in the flour mixture until combined. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool before frosting.

Whip butter until fluffy, then mix in the lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
½ cup butter, 2 tbs lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla, Pinch of salt
Alternate mixing in the heavy cream and powdered sugar.
3 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbs heavy cream
Frost the cake and then sprinkle with lemon zest
Lemon zest

Tips and Tricks

*You can swipe the sides and bottom of the pan with butter or shortening and then dust with flour or use a baking spray with flour in it- I like Baker’s Joy spray found in the baking aisle.
*Cold butter can be softened in the microwave by heating for 15-30 seconds on 30% power.
*You can also bake this in one 9-inch cake pan for 25 minutes or until done. Then top with a lemon frosting, vanilla buttercream, almond buttercream, or a chocolate frosting!
*You can easily double this recipe for 2 loaves or 2 9-inch cakes.
*If you’d prefer a glaze, simply combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoon lemon juice.
* The frosting recipe is supposed to be slightly looser than a stiff buttercream- if you would like the frosting to be a little stiffer, simply stir in a little more powdered sugar.