Sunshine Lemon Loaf a Zesty Slice of Happiness

Sunshine Lemon Loaf My Zesty Slice of Happiness

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 15, 2025

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something bright and sunny? This lemon loaf is your answer! The zingy lemon glaze and moist crumb are pure happiness.

Brief Overview

Lemon drizzle cake is a classic for a reason. It's simple and comforting. This recipe is easy baking recipe perfection in under an hour.

It makes 10-12 slices, perfect for sharing over tea loaf with friends or family.

Main Benefits

This moist lemon loaf is more than just a treat. Lemons are packed with vitamin C. It's the ideal citrus desserts for a summery afternoon tea or a pick-me-up any time of day.

What makes this recipe special is the intense lemon flavor that will make you feel like you’re eating a ray of sunshine!.

Ready to bake the best lemon loaf recipe ever? Let’s get started!. This lemon loaf recipe easy is totally doable.

If you have a dream of making lemon loaf starbucks copycat at home, you will adore this one!.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Sunshine Lemon Loaf a Zesty Slice of Happiness presentation

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our sunshine lemon loaf recipe easy . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you've probably already got. I'm aiming for a moist lemon loaf .

This recipe is like a lemon loaf starbucks copycat . Trust me, you'll love it.

Main Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (210g) – This is your standard flour.
Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Make sure it's soft!. The quality of the butter has an impact.
Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
Large eggs: 2 . Room temperature is key.
Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Again, room temperature helps.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60ml)
Lemon zest: 2 tablespoons (about 2 large lemons). Zest it right before baking for the best lemon drizzle cake .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Seasoning Notes

For that perfect zest, freshly grated is always best. You know? Lemon zest adds major flavor. Don't skimp! Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth.

For extra oomph, a pinch of almond extract works wonders. If you don't have lemon juice on hand, lime juice will do in a pinch! It won't be the same, but it'll work.

Equipment Needed

9x5 inch loaf pan : Essential for that classic tea loaf shape.
Mixing bowls : Gotta have somewhere to mix, right?
Electric mixer : Handheld or stand mixer. Either works!
Zester : For getting that all-important lemon zest.
Juicer : To extract every drop of precious citrus desserts juice.
Rubber spatula : For scraping down the sides.
Wire rack : For cooling, so your best lemon loaf recipe doesn't get soggy.

You can use a large spoon and some elbow grease instead of a mixer. Honestly, I've done it loads of times! As for the baking recipes , all you need is this list!

Baking Like a Boss: Sunshine Lemon Loaf Time

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? We are diving headfirst into lemon loaf territory! This recipe is so good, it's practically a lemon loaf Starbucks copycat , but honestly, even better because we made it.

I promise this is an easy baking recipe , perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Let’s get baking!

Prep Steps to lemon drizzle cake Perfection

First, the mise en place . Honestly, having everything ready is a game changer. Soften 1/2 cup butter. Zest and juice 2 large lemons.

It makes life so much easier. Don't forget to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour that 9x5 inch loaf pan.

A little tip: tap out the extra flour, trust me on this one!

Sunshine Lemon Loaf Recipe Easy : step-by-step

Okay, here's the super simple baking steps:

Whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Use an electric mixer until it’s fluffy.
Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Alternate dry and wet ingredients. Start and end with dry. Use 1/2 cup milk.
Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice and 2 tablespoons lemon zest.
Pour into your prepared pan. Bake for 50- 60 minutes . Check with a toothpick!
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, cool completely on a wire rack.
Drizzle with lemon glaze (1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice).

You want a clean toothpick or with a few moist crumbs when checking the moist lemon loaf doneness. That means it is done!

Pro Tips for a Seriously Good Lemon Loaf

Lemon zest is a must-do! It gives that intense flavor. Don't overmix the batter and don’t skip the glaze. It's the best part of any lemon loaf recipe easy .

Honestly, it elevates everything. I have even used olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option with a subtle flavour.

The result? A wonderfully subtle Mediterranean twist on this classic tea loaf . And if you are looking for other citrus desserts to prepare, you might want to try this exact recipe with orange, it also tastes delicious.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Sunshine Lemon Loaf

Right, so you’re about to embark on making this Sunshine Lemon Loaf . Brilliant! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few extra pointers that will take your lemon drizzle cake game to the next level.

Honestly, even a seemingly easy baking recipe can benefit from a bit of insider knowledge, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Biz!

Okay, presentation time! For that "wow" factor, think about a simple dusting of powdered sugar alongside your moist lemon loaf slices.

You could also whip up some fresh cream with a touch of vanilla. A sprig of mint adds a pop of colour.

For drinks, a classic Earl Grey is always a winner with a slice of tea loaf . Or, if you're feeling fancy, try a sparkling lemonade!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your lemon loaf tasting its best, wrap it tightly in cling film or pop it in an airtight container.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is an option too. Just wrap individual slices and they'll last for a month or two.

When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in the oven will do the trick.

Variations: Tweaking the Magic

Fancy a twist? For a lighter option, you could easily adapt this recipe. Try swapping out half the butter for apple sauce.

It's a great way to cut down on fat without sacrificing moisture. And for a seasonal vibe, why not try adding some raspberries or blackberries to the batter? A blueberry lemon loaf is always a crowd pleaser.

If you're after something with a little more bite, consider adding ginger. For anyone looking for a Starbucks copycat lemon loaf Starbucks copycat , this recipe gets pretty darn close!.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Slice

Let's be real, this is a cake, not a health food. But it does have some redeeming qualities! Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, which is great for your immune system.

Plus, baking it yourself means you can control the amount of sugar that goes in. The estimated calorie count is around 250 per slice.

This can change depending on how thick you lay on that lemon glaze !

So there you have it! With these extra tips, you're well on your way to baking the best lemon loaf recipe ever.

Don’t forget, this is one of those baking recipes where a good quality lemon really shines, giving you the citrus desserts flavour we are aiming for.

. Get baking and enjoy! I am sure the end result will be worthy of a gold star! And if I can do it, so can you!

Lemon Glaze Zesty Lemon Loaf Secret Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my lemon loaf come out dry? Is it supposed to be moist?

A dry lemon loaf is a bit of a baking blunder, innit? A common culprit is over baking, so check it early with a toothpick. Also, make sure you're not over measuring your flour. Spoon it lightly into your measuring cup instead of scooping.

Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, also helps with moisture retention.

Can I freeze my lemon loaf? I've heard it keeps well!

Absolutely! Freezing lemon loaf is a great way to enjoy it later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or pop it in a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before slicing and serving; maybe even warm it up slightly for that fresh baked feel!

How do I get a stronger lemon flavor in my lemon loaf? It's not zesty enough!

For a more pronounced lemon zing, the secret weapon is zest! Use the zest of 2-3 large lemons and don't be shy. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. For an extra punch, brush the loaf with a lemon syrup (equal parts lemon juice and sugar, heated until dissolved) immediately after baking, before glazing.

My lemon glaze is too runny/thick! How do I get it just right?

The perfect glaze is a balancing act! If it's too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice (a teaspoon at a time), mixing well after each addition.

Think goldilocks not too runny, not too thick, but just right!

Can I make this lemon loaf recipe gluten-free? My friend has Celiac disease.

Yes, you certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to choose one that already contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the loaf and give it structure. The baking time might be slightly different, so keep a close eye on it!

Is lemon loaf healthy? What's the nutritional information?

While lemon loaf is a delicious treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, like most baked goods. Each serving contains a decent amount of sugar and fat. The provided nutritional information (approximately 250 calories, 3g protein, 12g fat, 35g carbs, and 20g sugar per slice) can help you factor it into your daily intake.

Consider reducing the sugar in the glaze for a slightly healthier option.