LEMON CAKE

LEMON CAKE

Lemon cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With its refreshing citrus flavor and moist texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply treating yourself. The bright lemon flavor makes every bite feel like an uplifting experience.

Why Make This Recipe

Making lemon cake is a wonderful way to add a refreshing twist to your dessert options. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Lemon cake is not only delicious but also versatile; you can enjoy it plain, serve it with frosting, or pair it with fresh fruits. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of baking a homemade cake that your family and friends will love!

How to Make Lemon Cake

Making lemon cake is easy and fun! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time.
4. Add the fresh lemon juice and mix well.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Lemon Cake

Serve your lemon cake plain, or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze. You can also pair it with whipped cream or fresh fruits for an extra special treat. This cake is great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea.

How to Store Lemon Cake

To store your lemon cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For long-term storage, consider freezing the cake. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Lemon Cake

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest or a touch of lemon juice to your frosting.

Variation

You can add poppy seeds to the batter for a lovely texture and added flavor, or you can incorporate fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice will give you a nicer flavor.

2. How can I make my lemon cake fluffier?
Make sure to cream your butter and sugar well, and don’t overmix the batter. Incorporate air into the mix for a fluffier cake.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with cake flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.