Bright, tangy, and utterly refreshing, Lemon Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With its moist crumb and vibrant citrus flavor, this cake is a tantalizing treat for lemon lovers everywhere. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon or served as the perfect ending to a festive meal, each slice is a symphony of lemony goodness that is sure to brighten your day. Embark on a culinary journey to citrus bliss with this zesty Lemon Cake recipe and savor the irresistible allure of this timeless dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, plain yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- While the cake is still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake.
- If desired, sprinkle the top of the cake with lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and a decorative touch.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy a slice of this zesty Lemon Cake with a refreshing cup of tea or as a delightful dessert any time of day.
Conclusion: With its bright citrus flavor and tender crumb, this zesty Lemon Cake is a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. So embrace the vibrant flavors of lemon and treat yourself to this irresistible dessert that captures the essence of sunny days and joyous celebrations.