Lemon and poppyseeds come together to create a burst of flavor in this scrumptious Lemon Loaf Cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a citrusy delight, this easy recipe is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppyseeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 1 extra-large lemon)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 3/4 cup milk, room temperature
Instructions:
1. Prepare and Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, and poppyseeds. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Zesty Sugar Mix:
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Mix them together until the sugar absorbs the lemony fragrance. This step releases a wonderful lemon aroma into your cake.
4. Cream the Butter:
- Add the softened butter to the lemony sugar mix. Cream them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and mix it in.
6. Lemon and Flour Magic:
- Slowly add the fresh lemon juice, allowing the mixture to combine.
7. Alternating Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, add the flour mixture in three parts and the milk in two parts, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
8. Bake It Up:
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice:
- Allow your Lemon Loaf Cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice, and savor the citrusy delight!
Tips and Tricks for Your Lemon Loaf:
- You can also opt for a bundt pan for an elegant twist, just remember to grease it generously for a smooth release.
- Freshly grated lemon zest is essential for that wonderful lemony flavor, so don’t skip it.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best, authentic flavor.
- When preparing the lemon glaze, ensure it’s nice and thick, not too runny. Start with 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of milk, then add the remaining ½ tbsp as needed.
- This cake keeps well when stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. Enjoy your citrusy creation!
This Zesty Lemon Loaf Cake with Poppyseed will brighten your day with its citrusy charm. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast or a delightful dessert after a meal. Whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this moist and tangy cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s gone in minutes!