This Glazed Lemon Yogurt Loaf is an incredibly easy cake recipe for beginners, offering a bright, tangy flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb. You can create a bakery-worthy treat right in your own kitchen with simple steps.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Plain Yogurt: Use full-fat for the best texture, but low-fat works too. Avoid Greek yogurt as it’s too thick.
- Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice are crucial. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: No special flour needed!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and glaze.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure a light, airy texture.
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This ensures your loaf won’t stick, making it a perfect cake recipe for beginners.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Setting these aside keeps your baking process smooth.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Then, add the yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
5. Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
6. Cool the Loaf
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from breaking and allows it to set properly.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the loaf cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. You want a pourable but not watery consistency.
8. Glaze the Loaf
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This finishing touch makes your cake recipe for beginners look professional.
Variation Ideas:
- Berry Burst: Fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter before baking.
- Almond Zest: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Poppy Seed: Mix 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds into the dry ingredients for added texture and visual appeal.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Glazed Lemon Yogurt Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm in a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead? No, Greek yogurt is too thick. Use regular plain yogurt for the best results.
- My loaf sank in the middle, what happened? This often happens if the loaf is underbaked or if the batter was overmixed.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- How do I know if the loaf is fully baked? Insert a wooden skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your loaf is done.
- Can I skip the glaze? You can, but the glaze adds a delicious tangy sweetness that complements the loaf perfectly.
- Why is my glaze too thin/thick? Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a tiny bit more lemon juice if it’s too thick.