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Ingredients for Lemon Cake
To make this delicious lemon cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make Lemon Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for this step to achieve a smoother consistency.
4. Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, ensuring everything is fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a different size pan, adjust the baking time accordingly. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
While the cake is cooling, you can make the lemon glaze to drizzle on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and runny. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. The glaze will add an extra layer of sweetness and bring out the tangy lemon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon cake can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Serve it as is: The glaze adds a nice touch, but the cake itself is incredibly flavorful, so you can enjoy it without frosting.
- Pair it with whipped cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, top your cake with freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add berries: Serve the cake with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of color and even more fresh flavor.
- Perfect for a brunch: This cake makes a great addition to a brunch spread, where its light flavor won’t overpower the other dishes.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for both the zest and the juice. The zest gives the cake a wonderful fragrance, while the juice adds a bright, citrusy kick.
- Don’t over-mix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten and ending up with a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing or serving to ensure the glaze doesn’t melt off too quickly.
- Make it a layered cake: If you want to take your lemon cake to the next level, consider making two layers of cake and adding a lemon-flavored frosting in between.
Why Lemon Cake is a Favorite
Lemon cake is a timeless favorite because it’s:
- Light and refreshing, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a simple dessert, special occasion cake, or an afternoon treat.
- Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- A crowd-pleaser—whether served for a family gathering, a birthday, or a casual tea party, everyone will appreciate its zesty flavor and light texture.
Final Thoughts
This lemon cake recipe is sure to impress with its perfect combination of light, airy texture and bright citrus flavor. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you want something sweet, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and refreshing, grab some lemons and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
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