Easy Lemon Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
This easy lemon cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Its bright, zesty flavor and moist crumb make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. This recipe focuses on simplicity, using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques to achieve maximum deliciousness. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields one 9x13 inch cake. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit a smaller or larger pan.
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
8. Glaze & Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides. Slice and serve!
Tips for Lemon Cake Success:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh lemons will significantly enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your eggs and buttermilk to come to room temperature ensures better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Get Creative with Glaze: Experiment with different glazes, such as a cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar dusting.
Serving Suggestions:
This lemon cake is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries complement the lemon flavor beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of richness.
- A Cup of Tea: The perfect pairing for a relaxing afternoon.
This easy lemon cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful dessert! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us – we'd love to see your beautiful lemon cakes!
