How to Make a Simple but Elegant Lemon Cake
Making a simple but elegant lemon cake is a delightful way to infuse a burst of flavor into your baking routine. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just an afternoon tea. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to create a delicious, moist lemon cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Lemon Cake
To create your lemon cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 medium lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions for Making the Lemon Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple lemon glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. If it's too thick, add a little more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top for a touch of elegance. Feel free to garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries for a vibrant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a stunning dessert for dinner parties, or you can simply enjoy a slice on a sunny afternoon.
Storing Your Lemon Cake
If there are leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for later enjoyment; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
With this easy recipe, you can create a simple but elegant lemon cake that will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the burst of citrus flavor in every bite!