Delicious Lemon Cake Recipe

Introduction

This delicious lemon cake is bright, moist, and perfect for any occasion. With fresh lemon zest and juice, it offers a vibrant citrus flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
• You can substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus twist.
• Try topping the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added zing.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Leftover cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice without additives.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done baking.

Delicious Lemon Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

This delicious lemon cake recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring moist and tender layers infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Ideal for any occasion, this cake is simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, making it a delightful treat for lemon lovers.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans to ensure the cake does not stick during baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to combine the flavors.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and creating a dense cake.
6. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating the cake is fully cooked.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar as desired.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• To make this cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Keywords: lemon cake, lemon dessert, citrus cake, baked lemon cake, homemade lemon cake