Zesty Glazed Lemon Loaf Sunshine in Every Slice

By Evelyn ThatcherSeptember 22, 2025

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5.00 (4 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of sunshine? This glazed lemon loaf recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, who can resist that bright, citrusy tang? It's a proper treat.

Brief Overview

The lemon loaf recipe has roots in classic British baking. Think afternoon tea with the Queen! It's a super easy quick bread recipe and will take about an hour and a half all in.

This recipe makes about 8-10 slices, perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

This citrus loaf is not only delicious but baking with lemon is a sure way to lift your mood. Serve it for a special occasion or simply to brighten up a rainy day.

What makes this lemon dessert recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Get Ready to Bake This Amazing Loaf Cake

Let’s get down to business! This lemon cake with glaze is seriously easy. Seriously, even I managed it, and I once set fire to toast! You’ll need some basics like flour, sugar, and eggs.

Grab those lemons and some butter. You’ll also need your loaf tin.

We're going to whip up the best lemon loaf you've ever tasted! This homemade lemon bread is going to be so moist and tender. You'll feel like Mary Berry herself.

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this glazed lemon loaf . It's easier than you think. Trust me! You don't need a fancy degree in baking.

This is easy baking recipes made simple. It’s the perfect treat with a cuppa! Honestly, this lemon loaf recipe is the best lemon loaf recipe, and a family favourite!

Ingredients & Equipment

Zesty Glazed Lemon Loaf Sunshine in Every Slice presentation

Main Ingredients

Okay, listen up! Get your measuring cups and spoons ready. You're gonna need:

Flour: 1 3/4 cups (210g) . All-purpose works great.
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon .
Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon .
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) , softened. Make sure it's softened , not melted!
Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) . Granulated is what we want.
Eggs: 2 large .
Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . If you don't have it, regular milk with a splash of lemon juice works.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , freshly squeezed!
Lemon Zest: 2 tablespoons , from about 2 lemons.

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (180g) .
Lemon Juice: 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) , freshly squeezed.
Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon (optional).

Make sure your lemons are bright yellow and firm. These are good quality indicators. And they should be smelling of Zesty Citrus! The homemade lemon bread relies on this zest.

If you need an afternoon tea recipes , this is a sure fire winner!

Seasoning Notes

Lemon Zest & Juice : The base. Adds all the zing. Don’t skip it!
Salt : Balances the sweetness. Just a pinch is enough.
Vanilla Extract (optional): A splash can enhance the flavors.

If you don't have lemon juice, lime juice will work in a pinch. But honestly, the lemon is what makes the citrus loaf .

Equipment Needed

Alright, don't panic. You don't need a ton of fancy gear.

9x5 inch loaf pan: The classic size.
Mixing bowls: A couple of different sizes are handy.
Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer, your choice.
Zester: For getting that gorgeous lemon zest.
Juicer: To extract all that lemon goodness for our lemon glaze recipe .
Wire rack: For cooling your masterpiece.

If you don't have a zester, a grater works, but be careful not to get the white pith. That's bitter! And for a bowl, use a simple one, from your great aunt is just as suitable, you know? Honestly, making this glazed lemon loaf is more about technique than having loads of fancy equipment.

So don't let that put you off. It's one of the lemon dessert recipes that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. You can even make a lemon poppy seed loaf by adding poppy seeds!

Cooking Method: Achieving Lemon Loaf Perfection

Honestly, baking can seem daunting. But this glazed lemon loaf ? It's easier than you think! It is easy baking recipes ! I'll guide you through the process, from prep to that satisfying first slice.

This lemon loaf recipe is amazing!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend

Mise en place, pronounced "meez ahn plahs," is just a fancy way of saying "get organised". Before you even preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) , get everything ready.

Measure out your 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour , your 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar and zest those lemons about 2 tablespoons lemon zest from two lemons.

That way you will always have the best lemon cake with glaze . Soften that butter. Trust me, it saves time! This method is great in the lemon dessert recipes .

Grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan. This stops the loaf from sticking. It's awful when it ruins the cake! Safety wise, oven mitts are your best friend when dealing with the hot oven.

step-by-step Process: Baking Your Sunshine

Whisk together 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon baking powder , 1/4 teaspoon baking soda , and 1/4 teaspoon salt .
Cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter and 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar . You want it light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 large eggs , one at a time, then mix in 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil .
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Alternate with 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk . Start and end with dry. Mix until just combined.
Stir in 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice and 2 tablespoons lemon zest .
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50- 60 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before glazing.
Whisk together 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) lemon juice for the glaze. Adjust the consistency as you like. Once cooled, pour the lemon glaze recipe over the loaf.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

For a super moist loaf, add a tablespoon of lemon poppy seed loaf . Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing equals a tough loaf.

I've been there, trust me. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. If you fancy doing this in advance, bake the loaf a day ahead and wrap it well.

Glaze it just before serving.

This is going to be your new go-to quick bread recipe and a great afternoon tea recipes dish. It always reminds me of something from Mary Berry lemon loaf , its so delicious! You are sure to enjoy this homemade lemon bread !

Happy baking!

Recipe Notes for Your Glazed Lemon Loaf

Alright, let's talk about a few bits and bobs before you get stuck in. Honestly, a glazed lemon loaf is easier than you think.

Here are some tips to make yours a right showstopper.

Serving it Up: Lemon Dessert Recipes Done Right

Presentation is key, innit? For a simple but elegant touch, try plating each slice of your citrus loaf with a dusting of icing sugar.

Maybe add a sprig of mint. It makes it look ever so fancy. I love serving my homemade lemon bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

A few fresh berries on the side are also lovely. To drink? A cup of Earl Grey or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

It's afternoon tea recipes worthy.

Storing Your Gorgeous Moist Lemon Cake

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your lemon loaf recipe perfect. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in cling film.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to four days. Want to freeze it? Slice the loaf first. Then, wrap each slice individually.

This makes it easy to grab a piece whenever you fancy a bit of sunshine. When you're ready to eat, just let it thaw at room temperature.

You can also try warming it in the oven for few minutes. This will freshen it up.

Twists and Turns: Variations on Your Lemon Glaze Recipe

Fancy a change? I hear you! For a lemon poppy seed loaf , add two tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter.

Alternatively, gently fold in a cup of fresh blueberries before baking. Suddenly, it's a lemon blueberry loaf, just like that.

If you are feeling k_annotated: adventurous, swap the butter for vegan butter and try a bit of almond milk with lemon to the buttermilk.

Just like that! It's a k_annotated: vegan lemon loaf. These k_annotated: easy baking recipes are all about customising to fit your needs.

Nutrition Stuff: A Quick Look

So, k_annotated: this glazed lemon loaf is a treat, right? Each slice clocks in around 350 calories. It also has about 4g of protein, 18g of fat, and 45g of carbs.

Keep in mind, this is just an estimate. But the real benefit? That zingy lemon flavour that boosts your mood! It's happiness in every bite.

I hope these notes help you nail your lemon loaf recipe . Baking with lemon is one of my favourite things.

Now, get baking and enjoy every moment! This k_annotated: quick bread recipe is sure to bring joy. Let me know how it turns out! I always love seeing your bakes!

Delicious Lemon Loaf Recipe The Ultimate Citrus Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

My glazed lemon loaf sank in the middle what went wrong?

A sunken loaf is usually due to either overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too early, or the oven temperature being too low. Remember, we want a tender crumb, not a brick!

Be gentle when mixing, resist the urge to peek until at least 45 minutes have passed, and double check your oven temp with an oven thermometer to make sure it is accurate.

Can I make this glazed lemon loaf recipe ahead of time? How should I store it?

Absolutely! This lemon loaf is even better the next day, like a good stew. Once cooled and glazed, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

You can also freeze the loaf (unglazed) for up to 2 months just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

I don't have buttermilk is there a substitute I can use for this glazed lemon loaf recipe?

No worries, a quick buttermilk substitute is easy to make! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk to a similar consistency.

Honestly, the Bake Off judges would probably approve of either swap!

Can I add poppy seeds or blueberries to this glazed lemon loaf recipe for a twist?

You bet! For a poppy seed lemon loaf, add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter along with the lemon juice and zest. If you're feeling fruity, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter before baking. Remember to toss the blueberries in a little flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

How do I get the glaze to set properly on my lemon loaf? It keeps running off!

Ensure the lemon loaf is completely cool before glazing, otherwise the glaze will melt right off. If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thicker, spreadable consistency.

The ideal glaze should slowly drizzle down the sides of the loaf, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

Is there a vegan version of this glazed lemon loaf that still tastes delicious?

Yes, absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter sticks, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg), and the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice.

The texture may be slightly different, but with good quality vegan ingredients, you can achieve a moist and flavorful loaf that even non-vegans will enjoy. Remember to check that the sugar is also vegan friendly.