Zesty Soft Lemon Cake Recipe

Are you looking for a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a refreshing zing? This soft lemon cake is just what you need! Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert, this cake embodies the essence of sunshine with its bright flavor profile.

Imagine a tender, moist cake that captures the vibrant taste of fresh lemons. It's light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal but satisfying enough to stand alone as a sweet indulgence. Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that won't keep you in the kitchen for hours.

A Refreshing Lemon Cake to Brighten Your Day

This soft lemon cake is the epitome of lightness and flavor. Infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, every bite offers a delightful burst of citrus that enlivens the palate. The fluffy texture makes it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea or a sweet treat after dinner.

What sets this recipe apart is the glossy lemon glaze that crowns the cake. Its sweetness perfectly balances the tartness of the lemon, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please. This soft lemon cake recipe is simple enough for novice bakers yet satisfying for seasoned chefs aiming to impress.

Ingredients That Shine

The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward ingredients. Basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter come together with vibrant additions such as fresh lemon juice and zest. These elements are what transform a simple cake into a refreshing dessert that bursts with flavor.

Moreover, the lemon glaze, made from powdered sugar and lemon juice, enhances the cake’s appeal, making it not just delicious but also visually enticing. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that bright lemony goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Mixing and Baking: A Simple Process

The preparation for this cake is remarkably quick and easy. Begin by preheating the oven and preparing your cake pan. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of baking powder and salt, which contributes to the cake’s light texture.

Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is a vital step, as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a soft and airy cake. Combine this with the zesty lemon flavor, and you have a batter that radiates sunshine even before it hits the oven.

Cooling and Glazing for the Final Touch

Once baked to a golden perfection, allowing the cake to cool is essential. This step not only makes it easier to remove from the pan but also helps in achieving the ideal texture. While the cake cools, you can prepare the glaze that will add that shiny finish.

Drizzling the glaze over the cooled cake not only enhances the flavor but also elevates its aesthetic appeal. The glossy sheen captures the light beautifully, making it a centerpiece fit for any gathering.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This lemon cake is a versatile dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the cake's tangy flavor. Fresh fruit combinations, such as berries, can also complement the citrus notes beautifully.

For a refreshing twist, try pairing your slice with a cup of herbal tea or a light lemonade. The symphony of flavors will bring a refreshing zest to any occasion, making it a delightful choice for gatherings with friends and family.

Nutritional Insights

For those mindful of their dietary choices, this soft lemon cake recipe offers a balanced indulgence. With approximately 220 calories per slice, it provides a satisfying treat without overindulging. Each slice contains a moderate amount of fat and sugar, making it a reasonable dessert option for most diets.

In addition to its taste, this cake can serve as a delightful way to enjoy the refreshing taste of lemons, providing not just a sweet treat but a moment of joy with every bite.

A Refreshing Lemon Cake to Brighten Your Day

This soft lemon cake is fluffy and infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s topped with a glossy lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 220kcal per slice
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 20g