Description
This Lemon Raspberry Loaf is a moist and brightly flavored cake that perfectly balances zesty lemon with sweet raspberries. Topped with a luscious raspberry-lemon glaze dotted with fresh berry bits, it’s an irresistibly fresh and delightful treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Loaf Recipe
- 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 and 1/2 cups raspberries
- 13 raspberries for purée
Glaze
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 13 raspberries
- Zest from half lemon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 egg until smooth and fluffy, either by hand or using an electric mixer.
- Add Second Egg: Beat in the second egg thoroughly until well combined for a consistent batter.
- Add Milk: Blend in the milk and stir just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest to evenly distribute the leavening and flavor.
- Mix Batter: Pour the dry flour mixture over the wet ingredients and gently stir just until moistened, avoiding overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Fold in Raspberries: Carefully fold in 1 and 1/2 cups of raspberries to add bursts of fruit throughout the batter.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Spoon the batter into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
- Make Raspberry Purée: Mash 10 raspberries with a fork to yield about 2 tablespoons of purée. Strain the purée through a fine strainer, pressing with the back of a spoon to remove seeds.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, raspberry purée, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about half a lemon). Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or lemon juice if too thick.
- Add Glaze Texture: Coarsely chop 3 to 4 reserved raspberries and gently stir them into the glaze for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Glaze the Loaf: Place a sheet of parchment paper under the cooling rack to catch drips. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the cooled loaf. Repeat to use all glaze.
- Final Cooling: Let the loaf cool completely for 30 to 60 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the fresh bright flavors!
Notes
- Do not overmix batter after adding flour to keep the loaf tender and moist.
- Using fresh raspberries both inside and on top adds natural bursts of flavor and texture.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding powdered sugar or lemon juice to get desired consistency.
- Allow the loaf to cool before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- Use parchment paper under rack while glazing for easy cleanup.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American