Easter Baking Ideas! Spring Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with a Zesty Glaze

Spring is the season of fresh beginnings, vibrant blooms, and bright flavors. Nothing embodies this spirit quite like a Spring Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake. With its soft, buttery texture and a bold, citrusy punch, this cake is perfect for celebrating the season.

Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, a brunch, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a deliciously tangy dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Bursting with Fresh Flavor

This cake is packed with the zesty goodness of lemons, making it refreshing and perfect for spring. The combination of a tender crumb and a tart glaze creates a balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Versatile and Elegant

A lemon drizzle loaf works for any occasion—serve it at an Easter gathering, as a light dessert after dinner, or as a mid-afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly while yielding professional-quality results.

Ingredients for Spring Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

For the Cake

• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
• Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Milk: ½ cup
• Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon

For the Lemon Drizzle

• Powdered sugar: 1 cup
• Lemon juice: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust for consistency)

For Garnish

• Lemon zest strips: For decoration
• Edible flowers: Optional, for a spring-inspired touch

How to Make Spring Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan
   Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a small bowl, mix the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Assemble the Batter
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake
   Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at the 45-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
3. Cool
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Drizzle

1. Mix the Drizzle
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice to reach a pourable consistency.
2. Drizzle Over the Cake
   Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.
3. Garnish
   For a finishing touch, sprinkle the loaf with lemon zest strips or garnish with edible flowers.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Use Fresh Lemons

The zest and juice of fresh lemons provide the brightest, most authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing too much can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense cake. Stir until just combined.

Cool Before Adding the Drizzle

Letting the cake cool completely ensures the glaze doesn’t melt or soak too deeply into the loaf.

Adjust the Drizzle Consistency

For a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice. For a thicker drizzle, add more powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

How to Serve

• At Room Temperature: Slice and serve with tea or coffee for a cozy springtime snack.
• As a Dessert: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.

Storing the Cake

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations and Additions

Blueberry Lemon Drizzle Loaf

Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist. Toss the blueberries in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Poppy Seed Lemon Loaf

Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a nutty crunch and a visually appealing speckled effect.

Lavender Lemon Loaf

Incorporate 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender for a floral note that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

Why This Cake Is Perfect for Spring

Light and Refreshing

The tangy citrus flavors are a welcome contrast to heavier winter desserts, making this cake ideal for spring celebrations.

Beautifully Simple

Its elegant simplicity makes it a versatile dessert for a variety of occasions, from brunches to afternoon teas and Easter gatherings.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Its universally loved flavor profile ensures it will be a hit with guests of all ages.

Spring Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with a Zesty Glaze is the ultimate celebration of spring’s bright and refreshing flavors. With its buttery texture, tangy lemon kick, and glossy glaze, this cake is both a visual and culinary delight. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your love of lemon, this loaf cake is sure to impress.

So gather your lemons, preheat your oven, and enjoy the irresistible charm of this springtime favorite. Happy baking! 🍋🌸

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Food Network

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