lemon loaf cake with lemony icing

you can have your cake + good metabolic health too!

Too soon for another cake? Nahh. When neighbors share their bumper crop of lemons, it is time for this moist and delicious lemon loaf cake!

lemon loaf cake with lemony glaze

This bright and zesty lemon loaf cake is pure sunshine in every slice. Made with fresh lemon zest folded into a moist, tender crumb and topped with a puckery lemon glaze. The secret is using both juice and zest in the batter. Once cooled, drizzle the tangy lemon icing over the top, creating the perfect sweet-tart balance. It's equally lovely for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert - and the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day.

As always, this lemon loaf cake is blood sugar-friendly and crafted to support your metabolic health, using good-for-you ingredients!

In our group chat this week for paid subscribers, we had a conversation about what constitutes “refined baked goods,” which I referenced in my saturated fat + heart health post. All of the recipes for baked goods that I share will support your metabolic health and give a level glucose response.

I always want to be sure that I am teaching you the why behind the recipes I create, so I wanted to take a minute to call out some of the ingredients in this lemon loaf, why I use them, and how they support your health:

Almond Flour:

• Rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant

• High in healthy monounsaturated fats

• Excellent source of magnesium for bone health

• Provides protein (6g per 1/4 cup)

• Low glycemic impact

• Contains L-arginine for heart health

Coconut Flour:

• High in fiber (5g per 2 tablespoons)

• Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)

• Good source of manganese for bone health

• Low glycemic impact

• Contains lauric acid, which supports immune function

Eggs:

• Complete protein source (6g per egg)

• Rich in choline for brain health

• Contains lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health

• Provides vitamin D and B12

• Source of omega-3 fatty acids (in pasture-raised eggs)

• Contains all essential amino acids

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

• Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

• High in antioxidants, especially polyphenols

• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds

• Good source of vitamin E and vitamin K

• Supports brain health

• May help reduce the risk of chronic disease

Yogurt (plain, full-fat):

• Contains probiotics for gut health

• Good source of calcium and vitamin D

• Provides protein

• Contains B vitamins

• Rich in potassium

• Source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in full-fat versions

Lemon (zest and juice):

• High in vitamin C

• Rich in antioxidants

• Supports digestive health

• Contains potassium

• Zest contains beneficial polyphenols

Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense baked good that is:

• Lower in carbs than traditional flour-based recipes

• Higher in protein and healthy fats

• Rich in vitamins and minerals

• Supportive of stable blood sugar

• Contains gut-healthy components

  ---

Do you like learning more about ingredients and why I choose them? Should I make this a regular feature? Let me know!

---

As always, this recipe is free of gluten, grain, and refined sugar, is low carb, can be made with or without dairy, is blood sugar friendly, and is made with whole food ingredients to support your metabolic health. Feel free to download and print the recipe PDF below🧡

lemon loaf cake with lemony glaze

By Beth Bollinger of Nest Wellness

Gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, low carb, with dairy and dairy-free options

makes one loaf pan

serves 10

Equipment

• mixing bowls

• Spatula

• whisk

• micro planer

• green glass juicer

• loaf pan

• parchment paper

• silicone brush

• wire cooling rack