Lemon Zest Iced Loaf Cake Delight
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of the Lemon Zest Iced Loaf Cake Delight, a homemade version of the beloved Starbucks treat. This moist and tangy cake features a perfect balance of lemon zest, buttery richness, and a sweet icing that will transport your taste buds to sunny days. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a cake that will impress family and friends. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and watch it disappear quickly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
salted butter
1 cup (softened, plus extra for greasing)
salted butter
1 tablespoon (softened, plus extra for greasing)
sugar
1 cup
eggs
4 (large)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons
all-purpose flour
2 cups
confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan with butter, then set it aside.
2
In a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of softened salted butter and 1 cup of sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
4
Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully incorporated.
5
In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder with 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined and smooth.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
While the cake cools, prepare the icing by whisking together 1 1/2 cups of confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth.
9
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
10
Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Lemon Zest Iced Loaf Cake Delight! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon Zest Iced Loaf Cake Delight?
It is a moist and tangy homemade loaf cake inspired by the famous Starbucks lemon loaf, featuring fresh lemon zest and a sweet citrus icing.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease a standard loaf pan with butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the softened salted butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs, added one at a time.
What is the secret to incorporating the eggs properly?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
What provides the lemon flavor in the cake batter?
The cake batter uses the zest and juice of one fresh lemon along with vanilla extract for a balanced flavor.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder.
When should I add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until it is just combined and smooth.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the loaf for approximately 50 minutes.
How can I tell if the lemon loaf is finished baking?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it.
Where should the cake finish cooling?
Transfer the cake from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
What are the ingredients for the icing?
The icing consists of 1 1/2 cups of confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
How do I prepare the lemon icing?
Whisk the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice together until the mixture is smooth.
When is the best time to drizzle the icing over the cake?
Wait until the cake has completely cooled before drizzling the icing to ensure it doesn't melt off.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover loaf cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for salted butter, softened at room temperature.
Should I serve the cake chilled or warm?
You can serve the Lemon Zest Iced Loaf Cake Delight either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for an afternoon snack?
Yes, it is a delightful treat for afternoon tea or coffee, as well as for brunch or dessert.
How many lemons do I need in total?
You will need one lemon for the zest and juice in the batter, plus an additional 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for the icing.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a stand mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the batter.
What should the batter look like before baking?
The batter should be smooth and well-incorporated after the flour is added.
How do I ensure the icing drips down the sides nicely?
Drizzle the icing over the top of the cooled cake and let it naturally run down the sides.
What kind of flour is best for this loaf?
All-purpose flour is used to provide the perfect structure for this loaf cake.
What if I don't have a skewer to test for doneness?
You can use a toothpick or a thin knife as a substitute to check if the center is baked.
Why is it important to scrape down the bowl?
Scraping the bowl ensures all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are evenly distributed without lumps.
Does this cake taste like Starbucks lemon loaf?
Yes, it is designed as a copycat recipe to mimic the buttery richness and tangy lemon flavor of the Starbucks version.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
It is best to make the icing right before you are ready to use it so it remains smooth and easy to drizzle.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the items used for the cake and the icing.