Lemon Cake

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (for garnish)

How to Make the Perfect Lemon Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
• Mix until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Glaze or Frosting

• For a simple lemon glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• For a richer frosting, you can make a lemon buttercream by beating 1/2 cup of butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar and adding lemon juice and zest to taste.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

• Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top or spread the frosting evenly.
• Garnish with a little extra lemon zest for added freshness and color.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cake

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, tangy flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best results.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
3. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Ensure your cake has cooled completely before applying the glaze or frosting. This will prevent melting and help the topping set properly.
4. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add more sugar, but be sure to balance it with the tartness of the lemon.

Variations

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer frosting, use a combination of cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar and lemon juice. This adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the cake.
• Layered Lemon Cake: Double the recipe and bake two layers for a gorgeous layered lemon cake. Fill with whipped cream, lemon curd, or your favorite frosting between the layers.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cake is the perfect treat for anyone who loves fresh, zesty desserts. The light, fluffy texture combined with the refreshing lemon flavor makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you top it with a simple glaze or a rich buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade lemon cake that’s sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!