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5.0 from 30 votes

Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Moist lemon loaf cake topped with lemon syrup and lemon icing.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 260 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Loaf Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Syrup
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
Icing
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk vegetable oil, sour cream, and sugar together until combined.
  4. Whisk in eggs.
  5. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract; whisk until well-combined.
  6. Whisk in dry ingredients until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  10. While loaf is cooling, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, and water.
  11. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
  12. Boil for 2-3 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved.
  13. Remove to wire rack, and lightly brush syrup over warm bread.
  14. Let bread cool to room temperature.
  15. Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and lemon zest together.
  16. Add in additional milk as needed to get thick but pourable consistency.
  17. Pour over the top of cooled bread.
  18. Let icing set before slicing.

Notes

  • Flour: Properly measuring the flour makes a huge difference in baked goods. To properly measure flour, either weigh it or stir/sift it to break it up. Lightly spoon it into the measuring cup and level. 
  • Vegetable oil: Any neutral oil, like canola, will work. 
  • Sour cream: I've used regular and low-fat sour cream in this recipe. Both have worked well. I don't recommend using fat-free sour cream.
  • The lemon flavor will intensify as bread sits.
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 260kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 29mg (10%) Sodium 165mg (7%) Potassium 77mg (2%) Sugar 28g (56%) Vitamin A 60IU (1%) Vitamin C 5.3mg (6%) Calcium 26mg (3%) Iron 1.1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 260kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 165mg 7%
Potassium 77mg 2%
Sugar 28g 56%
Vitamin A 60IU 1%
Vitamin C 5.3mg 6%
Calcium 26mg 3%
Iron 1.1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.