This is a gluten-free and dairy-free version of lemon loaf cake. The photo labels have been simplified for clarity.

We use Kroger plant-based sour cream for this recipe. We find that it has the best consistency for baking.

I prefer Costabile lemon olive oil for its quality, purity, and flavor. Use Code: 15GOLDENGK on Amazon for 15% off!

Refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a complete list of ingredients and their precise quantities.

Variations

• Traditional: You can use all-purpose flour and dairy-based ingredients in the same quantities for a traditional version, the way we did for this recipe for lemon pound cake.
• Add Berries: Toss any of your favorite berries in flour and fold them into the batter for a lemon berry loaf cake like this gluten free lemon blueberry loaf.
• Add Nuts: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for more flavor and crunch.
• Add Poppy Seeds: Fold in poppy seeds to create a delicious lemon poppy seed cake.
• Naked: You can skip the frosting completely if you like. It's still absolutely delicious!

  How to Make Lemon Loaf Cake

  Step 1: Beat the eggs and sugar in a mixer until well combined. Then, mix in the butter and oil.
  Step 2: Whisk in the vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Then, mix in the sour cream.
  Step 3: Whisk the dry ingredients. Then, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and add the batter to a prepared loaf pan with parchment paper.Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.Step 5: Mix all the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  Step 6: Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and enjoy!

  Expert Tips

  • We prefer Country Crock avocado oil butter sticks. They tend to give the best results.
  • Kroger plant-based sour cream has the best consistency for baking.
  • Costabile lemon olive oil is our go-to choice. It's genuine Italian olive oil and of the highest quality.
  • Bring all your cold ingredients to room temperature for easy mixing and blending.
  • Be sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for a nicely risen loaf.
  • Mix your cake batter until the wet ingredients are just combined to prevent a dense, tough cake.
  • Let your cake cool completely before adding the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will thin out on contact.