How to Make Lemon Cake

Lemon cake is a classic dessert that’s beloved for its refreshing citrus flavor and moist, tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations, this cake stands out with its vibrant lemon essence and sweet, tangy glaze. The key to a great lemon cake lies in balancing the right amount of lemon juice and zest to achieve a flavor that’s both bright and satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a lemon cake that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re a lemon enthusiast or simply looking for a new cake recipe to try, this lemon cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Ultimate Lemon Cake

For the Lemon Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the cake. Use standard all-purpose flour for the best texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and texture.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps to blend the ingredients smoothly.
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Infuses the cake with bright, tangy lemon flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Provides a concentrated lemon flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the lemon.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a smooth glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds tartness and helps to achieve the desired consistency for the glaze.

How to Make Ultimate Lemon Cake

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 to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth 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. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
5. Glaze the Cake Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate or cake stand. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

About the Main Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture. It’s important to measure flour accurately to avoid a dense cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb. It also contributes to the overall texture of the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake. They also contribute to the texture and help bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to blend the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the primary flavor and tartness to the cake. Freshly squeezed juice is preferred for the best flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds an intense lemon flavor that complements the juice and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the lemon taste.

This ultimate lemon cake recipe is a perfect choice for lemon lovers and those looking to bake a delicious, light, and zesty dessert. Enjoy the bright flavors and moist texture of this classic cake!