I love the tangy taste of lemons in just about anything and lemons pair so well with fresh rosemary. Our moist Meyer Lemon-Rosemary Loaf Cake is a delicious example of how well they compliment each other. The flecks of Meyer lemon zest and rosemary bits are visible in every slice.
Although this recipe works great with regular lemons there is just something special about that sweet-tartness of Meyer lemons. We are taking full advantage of these lemons as they are seasonal and only available for a short time.
Meyer lemons are native to China and they are a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarine orange. They have been introduced to the United States by Frank Meyer in the early 1900’s.
The Meyer lemon is slightly smaller and rounder in size than the regular lemon and it has a thinner skin as well. The color of the Meyer is more orangey-yellow, the skin is thiner, they are more fragrant and the juice is less tangy than the regular lemon.
We can’t rave enough about the compatibility of lemon and rosemary, we used the zest from five of these lemons and we have added a healthy measure of chopped fresh rosemary.
Both the orangey-lemon zest and the specks of rosemary give this moist cake an intense flavor and their specks are visible throughout the cake.
This loaf cake is so light and moist that it doesn’t need a thick frosting. We used a tangy glaze made of lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar to drizzle over the top of the cake. Another option would be to sift confectioners’ sugar lightly over the top.
We used all-purpose einkorn flour in this recipe and really like the results. Although einkorn has gluten in it, the protein structure of the gluten is different and many people that find regular wheat difficult to digest have found that they can eat einkorn without any problems.
Check out this article for the nutrition values of einkorn and this article about the reasons einkorn is easier to digest than regular wheat.
This recipe will make two loaves of lemon-rosemary deliciousness, one to enjoy now and another loaf to freeze. So treat yourself to a nice thick slice of this cake along with a cup of coffee and enjoy! 🙂
Check out these cakes: Einkorn Honey Almond Cake Intense Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Lavender Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Meyer Lemon-Rosemary Loaf Cake
Our Meyer Lemon-Rosemary Loaf Cake is a delicious example of how well the flavors of lemon and rosemary compliment each other. We used the zest from five of these lemons and a healthy measure of chopped fresh rosemary. The flecks of Meyer lemon zest and rosemary bits are visible in every slice.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup lemon zest - about 5 lemons
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose einkorn flour (or traditional flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 4-5 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans.
- Add the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. A stand mixer with the paddle attachment is preferred but a hand mixer will work. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and the lemon zest.
- In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and rosemary. Whisk together to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk the lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla together. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool 10 minutes on a wire rack, remove from the pans and allow to cool completely.
For the Glaze
- For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and the lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cakes and allow the glaze to run down the sides. Allow the glaze to set up before serving.
Notes
This recipe will make two loaves with each loaf serving 10 slices
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 252mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 3gSugar: 29gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.
Linda
Monday 27th of September 2021
This is fantastic! I did cut the recipe in half, and I reduced the sugar a bit (3/4 cup for half a recipe) as I didn't intend to make the glaze and use it as a dessert. I will make this again, everyone loves it, and it made the whole house smell wonderful as it baked!
Pat Nyswonger
Monday 27th of September 2021
Hi, Linda, I'm so happy you tried this recipe and that you enjoyed it. Lemon and rosemary really to pair well. Thank you for your response and comments.
Steph
Tuesday 27th of July 2021
would this recipe work if I cut it in half for one loaf?
Dahn Boquist
Tuesday 27th of July 2021
yes, you can cut the recipe in half for one loaf. Thanks for the question
Andrea
Thursday 8th of July 2021
You must try this cake . Absolutely delicious!
Pat Nyswonger
Saturday 10th of July 2021
Hi, Andrea....thank you for the kudos on this lovely loaf cake, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!
amparo esteban
Tuesday 30th of January 2018
It looks delicious!!! I have a meyer lemons tree and rosemary in my garden, I'm ready to bake it!!! Question: I am reading the instructions and it does not say at what moment to add the rosemary, I assume that it is added to the flour?
Pat
Tuesday 30th of January 2018
Oh, a lemon tree in your garden! Lucky you! Thanks for the good catch on the rosemary. I have made the correction in the recipe card. Enjoy this lovely cake :)
traditionallymodernfood
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
Wow love your pictures. I am addicted to lemon this cake is pulling my attention, i wish I could grab a big slice virtually
Pat
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
Thank you, I wish I could give you a big slice, virtually. Wouldn't that be something :)