Zesty Citrus Burst: Tangy Lemon Cake Recipe For Fresh Bakers

Every baker dreams of creating a zesty lemon cake that brings sunshine to the kitchen, and this perfect tangy lemon cake recipe will make your taste buds dance with delight.

The burst of citrusy flavor cuts through the rich, moist crumb like a bright summer morning.

Lemons add a vibrant punch that transforms an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a delectable balance of sweet and tart notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this cake a foolproof treat for any occasion.

Creamy, bright, and utterly irresistible, this lemon cake stands ready to become your new go-to dessert that will wow friends and family alike.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know if my butter is at the right temperature for creaming?

Softened butter should be cool to touch but easily spreadable. It should leave an indent when pressed but not feel melty or greasy.

• What if I don't have an electric mixer?

You can cream butter and sugar by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon. It will take longer and require more arm strength, but it’s totally doable.

• Why do I need to alternate dry ingredients and milk when mixing?

Alternating prevents overmixing and helps create a smoother, more uniform cake batter with better texture and rise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 12

What You Need for a Bright Lemon Cake

• Flour: Provides the cake's structure and foundation, opt for all-purpose flour with consistent texture and no lumps.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and tender crumb, choose unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden crust, use granulated white sugar for smoothest results.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, complex flavor undertones, use pure extract for best taste.
• Milk: Increases moisture and softness, whole milk works best for richness.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy brightness and acidity, use freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus essence, grate only yellow part of lemon skin to avoid bitterness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy topping, sift to remove any clumps.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zingy flavor and helps achieve perfect glaze consistency, fresh juice recommended.

Tools That Help You Zest and Bake Easily

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, beating eggs, and mixing batter smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining butter, sugar, eggs, and other wet ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: Great for whisking dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal size for baking the entire cake evenly.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Helps prevent cake from sticking to the pan.
• Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients and creating the lemon glaze.
• Small bowl: Needed for preparing the lemon glaze.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.

Make a Tart and Sweet Lemon Cake at Home

• Warm Up Your Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking pan a quick spray or parchment paper lining.

• Create Dry Mix

Blend flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, setting it aside for later.

• Whip Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture that looks like delicious dreams.

• Introduce Eggs and Zesty Flavor

Gently fold in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla, lemon juice, and zesty lemon shavings for a burst of sunshine.

• Combine Wet and Dry Elements

Slowly marry your flour mixture with the buttery blend, splashing in milk between additions. Mix until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Craft Tangy Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until silky smooth, adjusting liquid as needed for the perfect drizzle consistency.

• Finish with Glaze

Once cooled, shower the cake with lemony glaze and let it set before serving up a slice of happiness.

Tips to Keep the Crumb Soft and Fine

• Tips for Luscious Lemon Cake Success
• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy blending that creates a tender cake texture.
• Grate lemon zest directly over the mixing bowl to capture all the fragrant essential oils, maximizing the citrusy punch in every bite.
• Wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it soft and prevent drying out for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the cake's perfect texture and structure.
• Replace eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce, use plant-based butter, and choose non-dairy milk to create a delightful dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serve Lemon Cake for Spring Gatherings

• Sweet Citrus Breakfast Companion: Pair this tangy lemon cake with a fresh cup of morning coffee or Earl Grey tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve slices alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to create an elegant brunch dessert that will impress guests.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a decorative platter for a perfect mid-afternoon snack during tea time or casual gatherings.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack individual slices in parchment paper for a portable dessert that brings zesty brightness to outdoor gatherings and picnics.

Store in a Covered Container After Slicing

• Store the lemon cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh taste and soft texture.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 2-3 days if covered with a clean kitchen towel, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for enjoying later without losing quality.
• Prepare the cake batter a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying your baking process.

Tangy Lemon Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Zesty Lemon Cake delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet comfort. Moist crumb and bright glaze make this dessert a delightful treat for casual gatherings or elegant celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350 g / 12.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11.1 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) whole milk
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing with butter and dusting with flour, or lining with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
2. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform foundation for the cake’s structure.
3. Creaming Process: Utilize an electric mixer to whip butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous cream with a pale complexion.
4. Flavor Infusion: Integrate eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest to impart vibrant citrus undertones throughout the batter.
5. Batter Assembly: Methodically fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Combine gently to preserve the cake’s delicate crumb, avoiding overmixing.
6. Baking Transformation: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges clean, signaling perfect doneness.
7. Cooling and Glazing: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, create a luscious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
8. Final Presentation: Elegantly drizzle the citrus glaze over the cake’s surface, allowing it to set briefly before serving this zesty confection.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain moisture and tender crumb, stopping just when ingredients are combined.
• Zest Intensifies Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrusy aroma and vibrant taste, grating only the yellow part of the peel to prevent bitterness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent cake texture.
• Glaze Consistency Matters: Control glaze thickness by adding powdered sugar or lemon juice gradually, creating a smooth, drizzleable topping that complements the cake’s delicate flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg