Healthy Iced Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe

When life gives you lemons, make an Iced Lemon Loaf Cake! Our lightened-up recipe for this spring and summer classic features wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of lemony flavor.

Stick to your healthy diet while satisfying your sweet cravings with this citrus delight. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, or as a sweet dessert after dinner. Cake for breakfast? Count us in! Be sure to bookmark this recipe for lemon loaf cake so that you always have a healthy idea ready when your sweet tooth calls!

Healthier Homemade Lemon Loaf Recipe

This recipe was inspired by the Iced Lemon Loaf from Starbucks. This popular treat from the chain coffee shop clocks in at 410 calories per serving with 17 grams of fat, 59 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of dietary fiber and five grams of protein.*

Our perfectly portioned version is 245 calories per serving with 13 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, three grams of dietary fiber and six grams of protein. Yes, you read that right: It has more protein then the version from Starbucks with more fiber and fewer calories, fat and carbs!

Losing weight on Nutrisystem? You can count a slice of this Iced Lemon Loaf Cake as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and one Extra.

How to Make Our Recipe for Lemon Loaf Cake

This scrumptious Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is delicate, moist and flavorful thanks to a few healthy ingredient swaps: whole wheat pastry flour, almond flour, nonfat plain Greek yogurt and honey are just a few of the wholesome ingredients in this easy lemon dessert.

Get started by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and line a bread pan with parchment paper. Make sure to grease it with nonstick spray, too! Next, whisk together the wet ingredients in a medium bowl. These include eggs, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, honey, unsweetened applesauce, melted refined coconut oil, lemon juice and lemon zest.

Add in whole wheat pastry flour, blanched almond flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients and mix well. Pour the finished batter into your bread pan and pop it in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the Lemon Loaf Cake at least 30 minutes to cool before adding the icing. 

We top this citrusy loaf with a three-ingredient lemon icing to make it even more sweet and special. Simply mix together melted coconut oil, lemon juice and honey. Place the mixture into the freezer for three minutes to harden slightly, then pour it onto the Lemon Loaf Cake. Let it cool slightly to allow the icing to harden a bit before slicing and serving this lemony treat.

Fun and Flavorful Ways to Upgrade Your Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Looking to take your Iced Lemon Loaf Cake to the next level? We’ve got some delicious and healthy ideas to boost the flavor and nutrition. Check out these fun and creative hacks to make your loaf cake unforgettable!

• Blueberry Bliss
  • Make a blueberry lemon loaf cake and add fresh blueberries on top after baking for a pop of sweetness and color.
  • Mash blueberries into the icing for a gorgeous blue hue and extra berry flavor.
  • Enjoy a side of fresh blueberries—they double as a healthy SmartCarb!
• Poppy Seed Perfection
  • Sprinkle poppy seeds on top as a pretty garnish.
  • Mix poppy seeds into the batter for a classic lemon-poppy vibe.
  • Pro tip: Depending on the amount, poppy seeds count as Extras or PowerFuels.
• Coconut Dream
  • Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
  • Toast the coconut for even more flavor and crunch—you won’t regret it!
• Nutty Delight
  • Add chopped walnuts to the batter or as a topping for extra texture and healthy fats.
  • Try almonds or pecans for a nutty variation.
• Creamy Indulgence
  • Top a slice with low-fat whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, satisfying addition.
  • Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for a dessert-worthy touch.
• Lime Twist
  • Swap lemons for limes to create a zesty Iced Lime Loaf Cake!
  • Pair it with fresh strawberries on the side for a summer-inspired treat—so refreshing!
• Zesty Orange Upgrade
  • Switch lemons for oranges and turn this into a citrusy Orange Loaf Cake.
  • Add candied orange peel for a sweet and tart garnish.
• Herbal Infusion
  • Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme, rosemary or even lavender flavor to the batter for a sophisticated upgrade.
  • Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Berry Medley
  • Mix in raspberries, blackberries or a combination of your favorite berries for a fruity surprise in every bite.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite
  • Add mini dark chocolate chips to the batter for a tangy-sweet lemon-chocolate combo.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the icing for a decadent finish.

These healthy and delicious hacks will make your Iced Lemon Loaf Cake anything but ordinary. Whether you’re keeping it light with fresh fruit or indulging with creamy toppings and chocolate, these ideas are sure to impress!

More Healthy Lemon Recipes

Looking for more lemony treats? Check out these other healthy citrus recipes you’ll love!:

• Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake
• Raspberry Lemonade Slushie
• Lightened-Up Lemon Bars
• Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait
• Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites
• Lemon Blueberry Tart

No time for baking? Stock up on sweet lemon snacks from Nutrisystem! Enjoy the bright and citrusy flavor of lemons in a perfectly portioned, easy to enjoy package with our Lemon Zest Cake and Lemon Cooler Cookie. Get started with Nutrisystem today!

*Information taken from company website on 3/26/2025.