Iced Lemon Loaf

Directions

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   1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 8 x 3 x 4 inch loaf pans very well with baking spray (or grease and flour them).
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   2. In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second increments in the microwave on full power, stirring in between bursts, until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
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   3. In a medium size bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt to combine; set aside.
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   4. Cream the butter together with sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
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   5. Stir the eggs into the creamed mixture, one at a time, until combined.
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   6. Stir in the vanilla, lemon extract, and lemon zest to incorporate.
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   7. Gradually mix in the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, in 3 separate additions of each, beating well after each addition.
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   8. Stir the melted white chocolate into the batter until thoroughly combined.
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   9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
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    10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
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    11. Cool loaves in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
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    12. Once loaves are cool, prepare the icing by stirring the lemon juice into the powdered sugar with a fork until smooth.
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    13. Pour icing over the top of the loaves, spreading with a knife until the icing drizzles over the sides of the loaves. Serve immediately with fresh raspberries (if desired.)
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    14. Leftover lemon loaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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    Note: Iced Lemon Loaf batter can be made in a single Bundt pan. Simply grease and flour the Bundt pan really well, add all the batter to the pan, and increase baking time by about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow cake to cool completely in the Bundt pan before inverting onto a serving plate and icing.
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    Variations: Substitute lime zest/juice for the lemon and continue with the lemon extract for Iced Lime Loaf; or substitute orange zest/juice and orange extract for an Iced Orange Loaf. Better yet, combine all three citruses for a All Over Citrus Loaf.