Name: Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour (Note 1 for GF); 4 tsp baking powder; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 1/4 cups caster sugar / superfine sugar (sub normal/granulated sugar); 1 cup plain yogurt, at room temperature; 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each), at room temperature; 75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (or other neutral flavoured oil); 2 tbsp lemon zest (~2 large lemons); 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract (or substitute 1 tbsp extra zest); 1 cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted; 3 – 3 1/2 tsp lemon juice (plus extra 1/2 tsp as needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 187 reviews

If you’re someone who loves a perfect balance of bright citrus and sweet indulgence, this Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine a tender, moist lemon loaf infused with tangy zest and juice, then topped with a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth lemon glaze that drips just enough to promise pure lemony bliss in every bite. It’s simple, elegant, and utterly addictive, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any time you need a little sunshine on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A set of four images shows the steps of making batter in a silver metal bowl and putting it in a baking pan. In the first image, a woman's hand holds the edge of a silver bowl with dry flour inside and a whisk resting in the bowl, on a white marbled surface. The second image shows the same silver bowl with the woman's hand whisking a mix of eggs and other wet ingredients, yellow and white in color. The third image shows the woman stirring a thicker, creamy batter that is pale yellow with some white streaks in the silver bowl. In the last image, a woman's hand holds the side of a rectangular baking pan lined with parchment paper filled with the light yellow batter, with a pale blue spatula smoothing the surface on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keep it simple and fresh with ingredients that build layers of texture and flavor in this loaf. Each element adds something special to the overall experience, whether it’s the lift from baking powder or the creaminess from yogurt.

2 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, fluffy loaf, choose a nice quality flour for best results.
4 tsp baking powder: This gives the loaf its lovely rise and light crumb texture.
1/8 tsp salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the lemon’s brightness.
1 cup plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the loaf tender.
2 large eggs: Bind the batter and give it structure while keeping it light.
75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted and cooled for richness without heaviness.
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the loaf moist without overpowering flavors.
2 tbsp lemon zest: Bursts of citrus flavor right in the batter, fresh and invigorating.
1/4 cup lemon juice: The essential zing that brightens every bite and balances the sugar.
1 1/4 cups caster sugar / superfine sugar: Provides sweetness that dissolves perfectly for a smooth crumb.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and adds warmth.
1 1/2 tsp lemon extract: Amplifies the lemon essence for a zesty kick (can substitute with extra zest).
1 cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar: For the luscious, glossy glaze that makes this loaf irresistible.
3 – 3 1/2 tsp+ lemon juice (for glaze): Just enough to create a thick, dripping glaze that’s bursting with lemon flavor.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if you’re using the fan setting. Grease a loaf pan that’s about 21 x 11 x 7 cm, then line it with parchment paper. This ensures the loaf bakes evenly and easily releases when ready, giving you a smooth surface for your beautiful glaze.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another bowl, whisk the yogurt, eggs, melted butter, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and lemon extract. Keeping wet and dry ingredients separate helps ensure even mixing for a tender yet well-risen crumb.

Step 3: Combine and Fill Your Loaf Pan

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk just until you have a lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter airy for the best texture. Pour it into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to get a nice even surface.

Step 4: Bake the Loaf to Golden Perfection

Bake the loaf uncovered for 45 minutes, then tent the top loosely with foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This two-stage baking ensures the center cooks through without the edges burning.

Step 5: Cool Completely Before Glazing

Once baked, let the loaf stand in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for about 3 hours; this is key to getting the glaze to set perfectly. The patience now results in that irresistible drip effect later.

Step 6: Whisk and Spread the Glaze

Whisk the sifted icing sugar with 3 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice until you get a thick, smooth frosting that’s ready to coat the loaf generously. The glaze should be thick enough to drip slowly but not run off completely. Feel free to add half teaspoon more lemon juice if needed to adjust the consistency. Use a spoon to spread it over the top and coax those luscious drips down the sides.

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe

A close-up view of a loaf-shaped cake with a golden brown color and slightly textured surface. The cake is topped with a thick, smooth white icing that drips down the sides in soft, rounded drops. On top of the icing, there are thin, bright yellow lemon slices arranged in a row, each slice showing translucent flesh with a slightly glossy texture. Small white flowers with green leaves are placed delicately on the lemon slices. The cake sits on a light wooden board, surrounded by more lemon slices. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or delicate edible flowers can elevate the loaf’s vibrant look and amplify that fresh citrus aroma. It’s these little touches that make serving this loaf a delightful experience for the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe with a cup of strong black coffee or a fragrant herbal tea for a perfect balance of flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side also brings a lovely contrast in texture and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving slices alongside a small bowl of lemon curd or mascarpone cheese for a decadent twist. You can also turn slices into mini sandwiches with lemon-infused cream cheese for a fun party treat everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover lemon loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the loaf moist and the glaze glossy and fresh-tasting without drying out.

Freezing

This lemon loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature the next day for a fresh-like treat anytime.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy this loaf a little warmed, unwrap a slice and heat it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The glaze will soften slightly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience without losing its signature tangy sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make this Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it will still deliver that wonderful lemon flavor you love.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

No worries! You can simply increase the lemon zest by about one tablespoon to boost the lemon flavor naturally. The loaf will still taste vibrant and fresh.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a skewer or toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s wet with batter, give it more time.

Can I use this batter to make muffins instead?

Yes! This batter works wonderfully for muffins. Adjust baking time to about 18-22 minutes, and you’ll have mini lemon treats perfect for sharing or lunchbox surprises.

Is the glaze necessary?

While the loaf tastes fantastic on its own, the glaze adds that irresistible tangy sweetness and a beautiful finish. It also keeps the loaf moist. I highly recommend making the glaze for the complete experience!

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Lemon Loaf Recipe is one of those magical recipes that feels like sunshine wrapped up in cake form. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. The texture, the bright lemon flavor, and that glossy glaze come together perfectly to create a loaf that’s truly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience all the love baked into every slice!