Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 5 x 9" loaf pan.

Step 2

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In the bowl using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4-6 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Beat on medium-high speed until combined.

Step 5

Scoop in about one-third of the flour mixture and mix until almost combined, then add half the buttermilk and mix until combined.

Step 6

Repeat with another third of flour mixture and then the last half of the buttermilk, ending with the last third of the flour until fully combined.

Step 7

Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on it.

Step 8

Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes in the pan.

Step 9

Stir together the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar for the lemon syrup.

Step 10

Carefully flip the loaf pan, and transfer the cake to a cooling rack, then brush the syrup on the top of the cake while it’s still warm.

Step 11

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 12

When the cake is cooled, combine all the icing ingredients, start with 1 tbsp lemon juice and milk and add the remaining lemon juice as needed.

Step 13

The icing should be thick and not runny. Pour icing over cake and let dry before serving.