Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a standard 9x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper (or grease with butter).

Beat butter and sugar together with a stand or hand mixer in a large bowl. Add eggs and lemon zest, mix together.

In a separate medium bowl mix together flour and baking powder.

Add flour mixture slowly to the butter mixture while alternating with milk until it is all added.

Add pecans if using, mix until they are evenly combined.

Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

While bread is in the oven, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.

As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, poke a few holes evenly around the top of the bread with a toothpick. Pour or brush lemon juice mixture over the top.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Enjoy!