Easy Iced Lemon Loaf

Lemon desserts just hit differently, don’t they? There’s just something about the tartness of the lemon that helps to cut through the the sweetness in a dessert that makes it so balanced. Some people might consider lemon desserts more of a seasonal, warm-weather dessert. But, I will straight up have a lemon treat in the middle of Winter. Especially when it comes to this Easy Iced Lemon Loaf. I will eat this lemon loaf any day of the year. It is light and fluffy, and the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Plus, it is just so damn easy to make. You’re going to want to check this one out.

Funny story… my husband once had to wait in line with a couple of his friends while I was testing this recipe. I knew I had perfected it and was a little annoyed that he wasn’t home to sample this incredible-ness. Let me be honest, I wanted to scream it from the rooftops. So I packed up a few slices of this lemon loaf (it was even still warm) and dropped them off to him and his friends. He said that they loved it, of course. But, the funny part is that it is now months later and those friends are STILL talking about this lemon loaf. So don’t just take my word for it, this Easy Iced Lemon Loaf is unforgettable.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Iced Lemon Loaf

2 Lemons– juice and zest

Unsalted Butter

Sour Cream

Granulated Sugar

Eggs

Milk– whatever milk you have

Pure Vanilla Extract

Vegetable Oil

All-Purpose Flour

Baking Powder & Salt

Heavy Cream

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Let me show you how to make this Easy Iced Lemon Loaf 👇🏻

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Begin the Easy Iced Lemon Loaf by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Next, cream 1 Lb of softened butter with a handheld mix or in a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the butter has lightened in color and has fluffed up.

Now add the wet ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of sour cream, the zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp worth), 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed until well combined. It’s not the prettiest batter at this point, but it will all come together when you add the dry ingredients.

Then, using a sifter or a fine mesh sieve, add 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt to the wet batter.

Beat the dry ingredients into the batter on low speed, gradually increasing to medium speed. Beat until just combined. Then use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides, making sure that the batter is mixed thoroughly.

Now pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a silicone spatula to smooth out the top.

Place the loaf into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes (65 minutes is usually perfect for me) until the edges are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean in the middle of the loaf.

When the lemon loaf is done baking in the oven, let it cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the pan. Set the loaf on a cooling rack to completely cool before adding the icing. It’s okay if your loaf has a few cracks or doesn’t look perfect- once it’s covered with icing, you won’t be able to tell.

Easy Iced Lemon Loaf Icing

After the lemon loaf has completely cooled, prepare the lemon icing.

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp heavy cream. Whisk the ingredients together until combined. The icing should be a little thick, but thin enough to drizzle and spread. Add 1 more tbsp of heavy cream if needed.

Finally, spread the icing over the cooled lemon loaf. Let the loaf sit for 10-20 minutes (if you can) to let the icing set.

Store the lemon loaf in an air-tight container for up to one week. I guarantee you that this Easy Iced Lemon Loaf will not make it one week before being completely devoured because it is absolutely delicious.

Enjoy!!

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave it a rating! Thinking about making it? I’d love to hear from you! Please leave your thoughts or questions below in the comment section. (Your email will not be published) Thanks!

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Looking for other great desserts? Check these out 👇🏻