lemon cake from scratch recipe

lemon cake from scratch recipe

The Best lemon cake from scratch recipe

I’ve been making this lemon cake from scratch recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen perfecting it. I love how bright and citrusy the lemon flavor is, and how it complements the richness of the cake so well.

My kids are big fans of this recipe too – they love helping me mix the batter and decorating the finished cake with fresh lemons and flowers. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special birthday or a casual Tuesday night dinner. And as an added bonus, it’s relatively healthy compared to most desserts, thanks to the use of real lemons and no artificial preservatives or flavorings.

The history of lemon cake dates back to ancient Greece, where lemons were first cultivated. The Romans adopted the practice of using lemons in cooking, and from there it spread throughout Europe. In the United States, lemon cake became popular in the 19th century, particularly in New England where lemons were a staple crop.

This recipe is based on traditional methods of making lemon cake, with a few modern twists to make it easier to prepare and more appealing to modern tastes. One of my favorite things about this recipe is the technique of using buttermilk instead of regular milk. It gives the cake a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar perfectly.

And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good excuse to use up all those lemons that have been sitting on your kitchen counter for weeks? This cake is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a snack or dessert, and even use it as a base for other creative recipes like lemon poppy seed muffins or lemon cream pie. In terms of technique, making this cake from scratch requires some basic mixing skills, but nothing too complicated.

You’ll need to combine flour, sugar, eggs, butter, buttermilk, and finally those lovely lemons – which you’ll squeeze for their juice and zest. The resulting batter should be smooth and creamy, with just the right balance of tangy lemon flavor and sweet sweetness.

Lemon Cake from Scratch

Lemon Cake from Scratch

4.9 from 673 votes

Delicious and zesty lemon cake made from scratch. Perfect for tea time or as a refreshing dessert.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the Lemon Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6Stir in the 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.
9Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
12Then, transfer it to a wire cooling 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 cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
17Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

9×5 inch loaf pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Wire cooling rack
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For an extra zesty flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the cake batter. To make lemon curd to serve with the cake, follow a recipe for lemon curd.

This lemon cake from scratch recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just want something delicious to enjoy with your family.

It’s also super easy to make ahead and freeze for later use.

Plus, with its bright citrus flavor and moist texture, you can’t go wrong serving this at any gathering or special event.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Cake from Scratch

Q: What type of lemons should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using freshly squeezed juice from Meyer lemons or other sweet varieties.

Q: Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

No – using buttermilk will give your cake a richer flavor and texture than regular milk.

Q: How long will this cake keep?

This cake will keep at room temperature for up to three days – after that I recommend refrigerating or freezing it to preserve freshness.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes – simply replace traditional all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend according your dietary needs.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

You can store leftover cake at room temperature for up to two days – then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

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