Lemon Loaf

 from London’s Ottolenghi

Makes: 1 standard loaf

Ingredients

• 3large eggs
  
• 1cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  
• 1/2cup sour cream
  
• 5tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing
  
• 1tablespoon poppy seeds
  
• Finely grated zest of 3 lemons (1 tablespoon)
  
• 1 1/3cups  all-purpose flour
  
• 1 1/4teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/4teaspoon salt
  
• 3/4cup  confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  
• 2tablespoons lemon juice
  

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 325° F. Grease the loaf pan and line with parchment paper, then set aside.
2. Place the eggs and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment in place and whisk on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until pale and frothy. Add the sour cream and continue to beat for about 2 minutes, until the mixture has combined.
3. In the meantime, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stir in the poppy seeds and lemon zest, and set aside.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl, then use a rubber spatula to fold this into the egg mixture before folding in the butter, poppy seeds, and zest.
5. Spoon the mixture into the loaf pan so that it rises three-quarters of the way up the sides. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not open the oven door to check the cake during the first 45 minutes of baking.
6. To make the glaze, whisk the confectioners’ sugar with the lemon juice in a bowl.
7. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, spreading it over the top so that it sinks in and creates a nice coating. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan. Leave to come to room temperature before serving.