Hello there, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of citrusy delights with a recipe that's bound to make your taste buds dance - an Easy and Refreshing Lemon Cake. 🍋🍰 If you're a fan of that bright and tangy burst of lemony goodness, you're in for a treat!
I recently stumbled upon an exceptional recipe for this Lemon Cake on Cotta, and I couldn't wait to share the step-by-step guide with all of you. This dessert is the epitome of simplicity and refreshment, making it perfect for any occasion, from picnics to brunches and everything in between.
So, let's roll up our sleeves and embark on this lemony journey!
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it's well-prepared to prevent sticking.
2. Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures a light and airy texture for your cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
4. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest:
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the zest of 2 lemons for that delightful citrus aroma.
5. Combine Lemon Juice and Buttermilk:
- In a measuring cup, combine the fresh lemon juice and buttermilk.
6. Alternate Mixing:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and lemon juice-buttermilk mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Glaze and Cool:
- Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, poke it all over with a toothpick or skewer. Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and create a deliciously tangy sweetness.
10. Serve and Savor:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it's cooled, slice and serve your Easy and Refreshing Lemon Cake to the delight of your taste testers.
This Lemon Cake is a masterpiece of simplicity, showcasing the bright and invigorating flavor of fresh lemons. It's perfect for any season and any occasion, adding a touch of sunshine to your dessert table.
So, grab your ingredients and embark on this lemony adventure. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a meal, this Easy and Refreshing Lemon Cake is sure to brighten your day. Happy baking and savoring! 🍋🍰