simple lemon cake recipe

simple lemon cake recipe

The Best simple lemon cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – a simple lemon cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, who got it from her sister, and it’s been a staple in our household for years. The first time I made this cake, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful it was.

My kids loved it, and my husband asked for seconds. I knew right then that this was a recipe worth sharing with the world. The best part about this cake is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients – just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills. I love that it’s a great way to use up lemons from our backyard tree, and the citrus flavor is just the right amount of brightness in an otherwise rich dessert. When I serve this cake, I always get rave reviews.

It’s the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, and the texture is just right – not too dense or too light. I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a special treat for my kids’ birthdays. It’s always a hit!

Now, I want to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it too. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a special treat for guests, this lemon cake is sure to please. And the best part?

It’s actually good for you too – lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making this cake a guilt-free indulgence.

Simple Lemon Cake

Simple Lemon Cake

4.6 from 1843 votes

A moist and tangy lemon cake perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the Lemon Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
8Mix just until combined and the batter is smooth.
9Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
11Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
12Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze.
14In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
15Add more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency.
16Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
17Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
8-inch round cake pan
Oven
Wire rack
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 56g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more intense lemon flavor, add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter.

This simple lemon cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a Tuesday night dessert. The best part?

It stores beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

When reheating leftovers, try warming them up with a slice of fresh lemon on top – it adds an extra layer of brightness to an already delicious treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Cake

Q: What kind of lemons do you use in this recipe?

A: We use Meyer lemons for their sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use other varieties like Eureka or Lisbon if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I know if my cake is done?

A: Check for a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake that comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Q: Can I substitute other types of sugar?

A: While granulated sugar works best in this recipe, you can try substituting with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

A: You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in place of buttermilk.

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