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Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake

A moist and tangy lemon pound cake swirled with sweet homemade strawberry reduction and topped with a bright lemon glaze. The perfect balance of sweet and tart for any season.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Strawberry Swirl
  • 1.5 cups strawberries diced, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with splash of water
Lemon Cake Batter
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened to room temp
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest approx 2 lemons
  • 2 eggs large, room temp
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice adjust for consistency

Equipment

  • 9x5 Loaf Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, simmer strawberries and 2 tbsp sugar over medium heat until broken down (5-7 mins). Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook 1 minute until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into 1 cup sugar with fingers until fragrant. Add softened butter and beat until pale and fluffy (3-4 mins).
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice and vanilla extract.
  6. Mix in half the flour mixture, then the sour cream, then the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  7. Pour 1/3 batter into pan. Top with dollops of strawberry mixture. Repeat layers, ending with batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
  9. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients and pour over cooled cake.

Notes

Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for the best emulsion.