Name: Lemon Cake Recipe: Moist and Tangy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Lemon Cake:; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tbsp lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Optional: Powdered sugar (lemon zest curls); Suggested Pairings: Berries (iced tea)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Lemon Cake is a classic, refreshing dessert, perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or sweet cravings. This moist, tangy cake, featuring bright lemon zest and juice, delivers vibrant, citrusy flavors in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic cake stand, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or lemon zest curls, this Lemon Cake offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings zesty, summery charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Serving:

Optional: Powdered sugar dusting, lemon zest curls
Suggested Accompaniments: Whipped cream, fresh berries
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic cake stand
Suggested Equipment: 9-inch round cake pan (or two for layers), mixing bowls, electric mixer, zester, juicer, wire rack, whisk

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or two for a layered cake) or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Taste a small drop of the batter (before adding raw eggs) and adjust with a pinch of sugar or lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
Combine Ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 25–30 minutes (or 20–25 minutes for two pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.
Serve: Place cake on a white ceramic cake stand, drizzle with glaze, and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or lemon zest curls. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, iced tea, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Lemon Cake

Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to achieve the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Taste the batter (before raw eggs) to balance sweetness and tanginess, as lemon potency varies.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a light, fluffy texture.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake moist and tender.
Use a white ceramic cake stand for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the golden cake and colorful garnishes.
Make ahead: Bake the cake and store unglazed up to 24 hours; glaze before serving.
Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
Enhance aesthetic: Present on a white ceramic cake stand with powdered sugar or lemon zest for a bright, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Lemon Cake: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Vegan Lemon Cake: Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with 3/4 cup applesauce or flax eggs (3 tbsp flaxseed + 9 tbsp water), and buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Lemon Blueberry Cake: Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries into the batter before baking.
Low-Sugar Lemon Cake: Reduce granulated sugar to 1 cup and use a sugar-free powdered sugar substitute for the glaze.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tbsp poppy seeds to the dry ingredients.
Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Replace glaze with a frosting made of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Lemon Almond Cake: Replace 1/2 cup flour with almond flour and add 1/2 tsp almond extract.
Mini Lemon Cakes: Bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes for individual servings.

Storage and Serving Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days; glaze before serving.
Freeze unglazed cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Use as a dessert for gatherings, brunches, or afternoon tea.
Pair with fresh berries or whipped cream to complement the tangy, citrusy flavor.
Presented on a white ceramic cake stand with vibrant garnishes for a bright, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings (1 slice each, with glaze):

Calories: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in sugar; pair with fruit for balance.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cake recipe offers a moist, tangy dessert, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a citrusy classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The bright lemon flavor and tender crumb delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its refreshing, versatile appeal.