Lemon cake is a delightful dessert known for its bright, citrusy flavor and moist, tender texture. Whether served at tea time, as a celebration cake, or simply as a sweet treat, this cake’s refreshing taste makes it a favorite for all occasions. The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice infuses the cake with a zesty aroma, while a light glaze enhances its flavor. In this recipe, we will walk you through the process of making a perfectly fluffy and delicious lemon cake from scratch.
Preparation Time
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but this is normal.
Step 5: Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Making the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If desired, stir in lemon zest for extra flavor.
Step 9: Glazing the Cake
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
This homemade lemon cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you serve it with a cup of tea, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade lemon cake and share the joy of baking with your loved ones!