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Lemon Loaf Recipe (Better than Starbucks!)

This bright and zesty lemon loaf recipe with a touch of almond has become my absolute go-to for everything from casual brunches to afternoon snacking and neighbor gifting. It's deliciously moist, perfectly sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword lemon loaf
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 259kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • For the Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9" X 5" X 3" loaf pan with baking spray with flour, or spray with cooking spray and lightly flour the pan, tapping out the excess.
  • In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl combine the sugar with the lemon zest, using your fingers to blend well. Add the flour mixture, stir, and set aside. In a small bowl mix the milk, oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  • Cool the baked loaf for 15 minutes then remove from the pan. While the loaf is cooling, make the lemon glaze. In a small bowl mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract. Add 1 teaspoon more lemon juice if the mixture is too thick. Drizzle the glaze over the loaf, slice, and enjoy. The loaf can be wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

The lemon loaf can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.