If you’re a fan of bright, citrusy flavors, this Lemon Cake is one you absolutely need to try. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this cake is wonderfully moist, bursting with fresh lemon flavor, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress guests or a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this lemon cake is bound to be a hit. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and fresh lemon juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed. Optionally, stir in some lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and a more evenly textured cake.
- Lemon Zest: Be careful to only zest the yellow part of the lemon, as the white pith can be bitter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Cake: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lovely texture and a classic combination.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of the lemon glaze, top the cake with a lemon cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature, and glaze it just before serving.
2. How do I store leftover lemon cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may have a more muted flavor and affect the overall taste of the cake.
4. What can I serve with this lemon cake?
This lemon cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
A Lemon Cake To Die For is exactly that—light, moist, and bursting with tangy lemon flavor. The combination of the tender cake and the sweet-tart glaze makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it as the finale to a celebratory meal, this lemon cake is sure to delight. Give it a try, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
