Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe: A Zesty Delight
This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and easy lemon bundt cake, perfect for any occasion. From weekend brunches to elegant gatherings, this vibrant cake is sure to impress. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips and tricks, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful result every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
- ½ cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and avoids lumps in your cake.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Adding Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternating Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The fresh zest adds a bright, aromatic flavor, while the juice adds moisture and tang.
Baking the Cake:
- Pouring the Batter: Gently pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Baking Time: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Cooling: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Lemon Glaze:
- Whisk Together: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glazing the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bundt Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
This delightful lemon bundt cake is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your homemade lemon bundt cake! It's the perfect treat for any occasion.