Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of sunny days and fresh citrus flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to brighten up a dull afternoon, lemon cake is your go-to treat! With its light, fluffy texture and zesty flavor, this cake evokes smiles and warm memories. Did you know that lemon cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe? Their popularity has only grown, making them a staple in many homes today.

What makes this lemon cake special is its simplicity and quick preparation time. You can whip it up in no time, and the best part is that it’s family-friendly—everyone loves a slice of this tangy goodness! If you adore sweets with some zing, you might want to check out our classic vanilla sponge cake recipe for a comforting twist. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious lemon cake!

What is Lemon Cake?

Ah, Lemon Cake! A delectable dessert that combines bright, citrus flavors with a fluffy, moist texture. But ever wonder why it’s called "lemon" cake? C’mon, it’s not like we’re throwing a rave in the lemon orchard! There’s nothing quite as uplifting as the name suggests. They say, "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," and with a slice of lemon cake, you might just win over hearts left and right! So if you haven’t tried making this zesty masterpiece yet, it’s high time you did.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cake

This Lemon Cake has everything you could want in a dessert! First, it mesmerizes your taste buds with its vibrant lemon flavor, giving you a refreshing pick-me-up in every bite. Second, making it at home is incredibly cost-effective—why dish out cash for a slice at the bakery when you can bake a whole cake yourself? Plus, it’s surprisingly easy! Lastly, the recipe allows for plenty of delicious toppings, from a dreamy lemon glaze to fresh berries or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re searching for another citrusy delight, consider trying our orange pound cake—you won’t be disappointed! Now, roll up your sleeves and let’s put those baking skills to the test with this lemon cake recipe!

How to Make Lemon Cake

Quick Overview

Making this Lemon Cake is a breeze! It’s not just delicious, it’s also incredibly satisfying to create. The standout element here is that lovely lemony zing combined with a soft cake crumb that practically melts in your mouth. With a prep time of just about 15 minutes and baking for 30, you can have this refreshing treat ready in under an hour!

Key Ingredients for Lemon Cake

• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until well incorporated after each addition.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix!

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve Lemon Cake With

Lemon Cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments! Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or topping it with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. A cup of tea or lemonade also complements this dish perfectly, enhancing its refreshing qualities. You could even turn it into a delightful lemon shortcake by layering it with whipped cream and strawberries!

Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Cake

To ensure your Lemon Cake turns out spectacular every time, here are some tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. This will help create that light, fluffy texture we love. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Also, keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking. Lastly, if you want to infuse even more citrus flavor, consider adding a lemon glaze after the cake cools!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Lemon Cake is easy! If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cake—just be sure to slice it first, so you can enjoy a piece whenever the craving strikes! To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful Lemon Cake recipe today!

Lemon Cake

A delightful and refreshing dessert with bright citrus flavors and a fluffy texture, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 2 large eggs Beaten in one at a time.
• 0.5 cups buttermilk Can be substituted with regular milk plus vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 large lemon zest From one large lemon.
• 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until well incorporated after each addition.
5. Add the buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix!

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For serving, pair Lemon Cake with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or whipped cream. It can also be served layered with strawberries for a lemon shortcake.