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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform foundation for the cake’s structure.
- Creaming Process: Utilize an electric mixer to whip butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous cream with a pale complexion.
- 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.
- Batter Assembly: Methodically fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Combine gently to preserve the cake’s delicate crumb, avoiding overmixing.
- Baking Transformation: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges clean, signaling perfect doneness.
- 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.
- 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