Description
This Lemon Yogurt Loaf Cake with Olive Oil is a moist, tender, and fragrant cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Olive oil adds a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the tangy yogurt, creating a beautifully textured loaf perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea. The cake is finished with a zesty lemon syrup soak and a glossy lemon glaze for an extra burst of citrus brightness.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest (from about two lemons)
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) olive oil (extra virgin works well)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (113g) plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat, or non-dairy Greek-style yogurt)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 3/4 cups (218g) all-purpose flour
Lemon Syrup
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
Lemon Icing
- 1 cup (113g) powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, then set it aside ready for the batter.
- Make the Lemon-Sugar Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, rub together the granulated sugar and lemon zest with your fingers until the mixture is fragrant. This helps release the lemon oils for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the olive oil, eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract to the lemon-sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the baking powder, salt, and flour. Gently fold the mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth but still slightly lumpy to avoid over-mixing, which can toughen the cake crumb.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Lightly tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare the Lemon Syrup: While the cake bakes, combine fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 1 minute. Whisk well and let cool.
- Apply the Lemon Syrup: When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the top with a toothpick or fork. Slowly drizzle the lemon syrup over the hot cake to let it soak in without puddling.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to absorb the syrup for 10-15 minutes. Then run a spatula around the edges and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Icing: In the same measuring cup, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable, then set aside.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the lemon icing over the top evenly. Slice and serve to enjoy the refreshing citrus flavors.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- You can use dairy or non-dairy yogurt and milk according to your dietary preferences.
- Extra virgin olive oil provides robust flavor, but mild olive oil can be used for a subtler taste.
- Make sure to poke holes and pour syrup slowly so the cake soaks it evenly without pooling.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Bring cake to room temperature before serving if refrigerated for best flavor and texture.