Alabama's Zesty Lemon Loaf Cake: A Burst of Sunshine

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A Taste of Alabama Sunshine in Every Slice

Alabama’s culinary traditions run deep, blending the fresh and the flavorful in delightful ways. One shining example of this is the Lemon Loaf Cake—a zesty, light, and wonderfully sweet dessert that has a way of bringing sunshine to any meal. This classic cake, known for its bright lemony flavor and soft, tender crumb, is a staple in homes throughout Alabama. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a refreshing citrus glaze to top it all off.

Lemon desserts like this loaf cake have always held a special place in Southern kitchens. In Alabama, where fresh lemons can be found year-round, the Lemon Loaf Cake is the go-to treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as an everyday indulgence. What sets this version apart is its simplicity—easy enough for a weeknight bake, but with enough punch to serve at a special occasion.

This Lemon Loaf Cake is all about balance. The zest of the lemons provides a refreshing citrus burst, while the buttery richness of the cake base keeps each bite satisfying. And then there’s the glaze—a sweet, tangy topping that seeps into the cake, amplifying the lemon flavor. It’s a treat that truly embodies Alabama’s love for good food that’s made with care and shared with loved ones.

Alabama Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will help the loaf rise and stay fluffy.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take around 2-3 minutes, creating the base for your cake's sweetness.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, stir in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will give the cake its signature citrus punch and creamy texture.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher loaf.
6. Bake the Lemon Loaf:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Loaf:
   Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Lemon Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon loaf, letting it soak in for extra lemony goodness.

The Perfect Finish for Any Alabama Meal

There’s something undeniably satisfying about enjoying a slice of this Lemon Loaf Cake. Its soft crumb and vibrant flavor make it a favorite in Alabama kitchens, whether it’s served as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. The combination of fresh lemon zest and the rich glaze brings out the best of the citrus flavor, making each bite feel like a burst of sunshine. It’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is refreshing—perfect for a warm Alabama afternoon or a cool evening gathering with friends.

Try this Lemon Loaf Cake the next time you want to bring a little extra cheer to your table, and watch as the sweet, tangy flavors brighten everyone’s mood!

Here’s an Alabama-style Lemon Loaf Cake recipe that bursts with the zesty freshness of citrus and Southern charm. This moist and tender cake, drizzled with a tangy lemon glaze, is a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you serve it with coffee in the morning or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake brings the essence of Alabama’s sunny citrus flavors to your table.

Alabama Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

This Lemon Loaf Cake stands out with its soft texture and bright lemon flavor, thanks to the use of both lemon juice and zest. Alabama's connection to lemon-infused desserts makes this loaf a local favorite, perfect for gatherings or a casual weekday treat. The glaze brings a refreshing zing that enhances every bite, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion​(Just So Tasty)​(The Curly Spoon)​(Southern Living)​(Allrecipes).