Classic Lemon Cake Recipe

Lemon cake is a refreshing and vibrant dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tartness. It’s soft, moist, and ideal for springtime celebrations, gatherings, or just a sweet treat after a meal. This lemon cake recipe includes both lemon zest and lemon juice for maximum flavor, with a tangy glaze that enhances its freshness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal).

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.

Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more lemon juice. Optional: Stir in lemon zest for extra flavor.

5. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

6. Serve

Slice and enjoy your homemade lemon cake!

History of Lemon Cake

Lemon cake, a delightful dessert with roots in European baking traditions, has been a popular treat for centuries. Lemon flavor in cakes dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when the fruit was introduced to many parts of Europe. Its fresh and tangy taste quickly made it a favorite in various sweet recipes. Today, lemon cakes come in many variations, from light and fluffy sponge cakes to dense pound cakes, and remain a symbol of bright, zesty flavors.

Benefits of Lemon Cake

While lemon cake is undoubtedly a treat, it does have a few surprising benefits:

• Vitamin C: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a boost of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and can have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mood Booster: The refreshing citrusy scent and flavor can improve your mood and provide an uplifting experience.
• Digestive Aid: Lemon has long been known for its digestive properties, which can help stimulate the production of digestive juices.

Nutrition (per serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content of a standard slice of lemon cake (based on a 12-slice serving):

• Calories: ~250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 25g

(Keep in mind that these values will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Classic lemon cake is a dessert that never goes out of style. Its light, tangy flavor paired with a sweet glaze makes it a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest. Whether served for a special occasion or just as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to delight lemon lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. Enjoy every slice of this moist, flavorful creation!

For the Lovers of Lemon Cake

For those who love the vibrant, fresh taste of lemon in their desserts, this cake is a must-try. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply craving something sweet and citrusy, lemon cake is the perfect choice. It’s a timeless dessert that brings joy to all who try it!