INTRODUCTION
Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake is a soft, fragrant cake that fills your kitchen with a fresh lemon and floral scent. This loaf balances bright lemon and mild lavender in a simple batter. It is a lovely treat for morning coffee or a light dessert. If you enjoy tea-time cakes, you might also like the cafe-style lemon lavender scones as a similar flavor idea.
This recipe is easy to make and uses basic ingredients. You can make a lighter option by cutting sugar or swapping ingredients. That makes it a nice healthy version when you want something sweet but still mindful. It also works for meal prep and snacks for the week.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake because it is simple, bright, and not too sweet. It offers a lighter option for dessert or breakfast. The loaf is small, so it helps with portion control and can be part of a low calorie plan if you watch serving size.
This cake is great for meal prep because you can slice it and store it for several days. It pairs well with tea, coffee, or a glass of pale lemonade. For a cozy drink pairing, try a soothing lavender lemon fog alongside a slice for calm mornings.
HOW TO MAKE Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake
This section gives a clear step list to make the loaf. Use the exact ingredients list below and follow the steps. The batter mixes quickly and bakes in about half an hour.
Learn related baking tips from lavender lemon shortbread cookies if you want more ideas on balancing lemon and lavender.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Small loaf pan (about 8 x 4 inches or similar)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater for lemon zest
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried lavender (culinary)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or oil)
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar for lemon glaze
- Lemon juice for lemon glaze
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, lavender, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool slightly. Make a simple lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice, then drizzle over the cooled loaf if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake
Serve thin slices of the loaf for a lighter treat. One slice (about 1 inch thick) can fit a low calorie snack plan when paired with fresh fruit or plain yogurt. For a balanced morning option, serve one slice with a small bowl of berries and plain Greek yogurt for added protein.
If you want a high protein meal, pair the cake slice with a high protein yogurt or a protein shake. This keeps the meal more filling and can help steady blood sugar after eating. For a relaxed afternoon, serve slices with herbal tea or iced drinks.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake
Store the loaf at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
When you slice to serve, remove only what you will eat that day to keep the rest fresh. This tip helps with meal prep and portion control for anyone trying to manage calories or sugar.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a healthy plate, add fresh berries and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds protein and makes the meal balanced.
- Serve one thin slice with a small green salad for a light brunch.
- Make a low calorie pairing by choosing non-fat yogurt and fresh fruit.
- For a simple sweet treat, dust with powdered sugar and serve with lemon slices.
For a cookie pairing, try the delicate taste of lemon lavender shortbread cookies with your tea when you offer the loaf to guests.
VARIATIONS
Here are easy ways to change the loaf. Each option helps you make a healthier version, a high-protein or low-carb version, and an air fryer or alternative bake.
-
Healthier version:
- Reduce sugar to 1/3 cup or use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar for a lower sugar loaf. Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber. Use light butter or a neutral oil to lower saturated fat. This gives you a lighter option that still tastes good.
-
High-protein or low-carb version:
- For a high protein meal or low carb loaf, replace half to all the flour with almond flour and add 1/4 cup unflavored whey or plant protein powder. Use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol if you want a diabetic-friendly loaf. Use extra egg or egg whites to boost protein further. These swaps create a low carb, higher protein cake that still holds lemon and lavender flavor.
-
Air fryer or oven-baked version:
- To bake in an air fryer, use a small loaf pan that fits your fryer. Air fry at 325°F (160°C) for about 20–25 minutes, checking for doneness. For the oven, follow the main directions at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes. Both methods work; the air fryer gives a slightly crisp crust with a tender center.
Pair this loaf with a cold drink for summer. Try a bright, layered lemonade like the arctic gradient lemonade for a fun, citrus pairing.
FAQs
Q: Is this loaf suitable for people trying to lose weight?
A: Yes. If you eat small portions and pair a slice with protein or fruit, it can fit a good for weight loss plan. Use the lighter option suggestions above to reduce calories and sugar.
Q: Can I make this diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use low-carb flour like almond flour, lower-sugar sweeteners such as erythritol, and a sugar substitute for the glaze. These changes make a diabetic-friendly loaf that still tastes like lemon and lavender.
Q: How long will the loaf keep in the fridge?
A: The loaf will keep up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. For best taste, eat within 3 days if you used a lot of fresh dairy or yogurt in any topping.
Q: Can I freeze slices for meal prep?
A: Yes. Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They thaw fast and are great for meal prep. A frozen slice can last up to 2 months.
Q: Is the lavender safe to eat?
A: Always use culinary lavender, not garden lavender that may have pesticides. Culinary lavender has a mild flavor and is safe in small amounts in baking.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake
This loaf is great for meal prep. Bake the loaf a day before you need it so flavors settle and slices are easy to cut. You can freeze slices individually for quick snacks or breakfasts. For busy mornings, pair a slice with Greek yogurt and berries in a container, and you have a fast balanced meal. The loaf also travels well to potlucks and picnics.
If you plan to use it for several days, store the whole loaf in the fridge and slice as needed. If you want the freshest texture, warm a slice for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Lavender Lemon Loaf Cake
A soft, fragrant cake balancing bright lemon and mild lavender, perfect for morning coffee or a light dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried lavender (culinary)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or oil)
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar for lemon glaze
- Lemon juice for lemon glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, lavender, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool slightly. Make a simple lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice, then drizzle over the cooled loaf if desired.
Notes
Pair with fresh fruit or tea for a light treat. Can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lavender, lemon, loaf cake, dessert, baking
