Soft and Fluffy Lemon Cake: A Zesty Delight

Soft and Fluffy Lemon Cake: A Zesty Delight 🍰🍋

This lemon cake is the perfect blend of lightness and refreshing citrus flavor, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, it’s simply irresistible. Let’s bake a slice of sunshine! ✨🍋

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 ½ tsp baking powder 🥄
½ tsp salt 🧂
½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
2 large eggs 🥚🥚
1 tbsp fresh lemon zest 🍋
¼ cup fresh lemon juice 🍋
½ cup milk 🥛

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋

Instructions

Zesty Lemon Loaf Cake – Ned Cakes

1. Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. 🔥

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 🌾🥄

3. Cream the butter and sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. 🍋🧈

4. Combine the mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 🥄

5. Bake the cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely. 🍰⏲️

6. Make the lemon glaze:

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional lemon zest. ✨🍋

Tips for a Perfect Lemon Cake

Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Cake is too dense:

Be sure to measure your flour correctly (spoon and level method) and avoid overmixing the batter.

2. Glaze is too runny or thick:

Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more lemon juice to thin it out.

3. Cake sticks to the pan:

Always grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or line the bottom with parchment paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a loaf pan instead of a round pan?
Yes! A loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe, but you may need to adjust the baking time by adding 5-10 minutes.

How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.