The feeling of spring is in the air. I feel it, and I can’t wait for the warmer days ahead. This means I need to eat a bit lighter as the clothes get a bit skimpier. I hate saying no to dessert. Well of course you know that. I have a blog devoted to desserts.
I hate the feeling of depriving myself so as I prepare to wear my cute tiny dresses and swimsuit this summer, I need to still feel like myself. So I have started playing around with new recipes that are a bit lighter. This cake is one of them but it is so delish you won’t even know its light.
The base of it is olive oil and greek yogurt (yep no butter or sour cream or buttermilk in this baby). This was so tasty and full of tart lemon flavor that I had to remind myself that the only way it is bad for me is if I overindulge and eat the whole loaf!
So I guess in addition to creating some healthier recipes for desserts, I also need to practice so level of self control.
Healthy Lemon Loaf Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
2/3 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or 1 cup of honey or maple syrup)
3 whole large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2-3 tablespoon milk or fresh lemon juice for more lemon flavor
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, greek yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest and lemon extract.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture while whisking together until well combined.
Add lemon cake batter to a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and bake in oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted in the center and comes out clean (mine baked in about 52 minutes). Let cool for 10 minutes then remove from the loaf pan to finish cooling.
Once the cake has cooled completely, whisk together confectioner’s sugar and milk or lemon juice and pour over the cake. Let the icing set and then enjoy!
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