Lemon Cake: A Bright and Zesty Delight

When it comes to desserts that balance sweetness with a refreshing tang, lemon cake is a standout choice. Its light, citrusy flavor and moist texture make it an all-time favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or even a casual afternoon treat. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect lemon cake.

Ingredients

To make a classic lemon cake, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
8. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. For extra flair, sprinkle lemon zest on top.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same brightness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense rather than light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more sophisticated presentation, garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers.

Lemon cake is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this zesty cake is sure to brighten your day. Enjoy the tangy sweetness of lemon cake with every bite!

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