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A Lemon Cake To Die For Recipe

A Lemon Cake To Die For Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

This irresistibly moist and tangy lemon cake features fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a vibrant citrus flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a tender crumb. Whether enjoyed plain or glazed with a light lemon glaze, it’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Variations include adding fresh raspberries for a fruity twist or poppy seeds for a delightful crunch. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations make this cake accessible to many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan adaptation)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature (or flax eggs for vegan adaptation: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, set to gel)
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Variations

  • Fresh raspberries (to fold in for lemon raspberry variation)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for lemon poppy seed variation)
  • Cream cheese frosting ingredients (for cream cheese frosting topping)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (for lemon thyme infusion)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan thoroughly. Zest and juice the lemons, then measure and prepare all other ingredients, ensuring everything is at room temperature for the best mixing and texture results.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly and contributes to a light, fluffy cake texture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aerates the batter, resulting in a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and consistent.
  5. Incorporate Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir the fresh lemon juice and zest into the wet ingredients to infuse the batter with vibrant lemon flavor and aroma.
  6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk or buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir gently after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  8. Optional Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness and citrus brightness. Optionally, fold fresh raspberries or poppy seeds into the batter before baking for variations.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative.
  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and proper texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
  • The glaze can be adjusted by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar to reach your preferred consistency.
  • Folding in fresh raspberries or poppy seeds before baking adds delightful variation and texture.
  • Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a richer cake, top with cream cheese frosting and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a unique flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cake, citrus cake, easy lemon cake, lemon dessert, gluten-free lemon cake, vegan lemon cake, lemon raspberry cake, lemon poppy seed cake

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/a-lemon-cake-to-die-for-recipe/