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–+ servings

Moist Lemon Cake Recipe

4 from 2 votes
The days are growing longer, the flowers are in bloom, and your taste buds are craving something fresh, tangy, and invigorating. It's time to usher in the season with a cake that's the epitome of summertime
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • A mix of baking basics: 2 1/2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a touch of salt.
  • The zest and juice from 3 lemons 3/4 cup buttermilk & 3 tablespoons zest.
  • Flavors that linger: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
  • Fats for a moist texture: 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter.
  • The binder: 3 large eggs and an additional egg yolk all at room temperature.
For the Glaze:
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar for that sweet glossy finish.
  • The tang: 3 tablespoons lemon juice.
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk for a hint of creaminess.

Method
 

  1. Preparing: Fire up the oven to 325° and grease that 9x13-inch square baking pan! The excitement begins.
  2. Mixing Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl, and set it aside. It's about to play a crucial role!
  3. Creating the Flavor Burst: Combine buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup. Meanwhile, beat granulated sugar and lemon zest until they become moist and fragrant. Remember, zest adds personality to the cake!
  4. The Creaming Process: Transfer 1/4 cup of sugar mixture to a small bowl, cover it, and set aside. Then, whip butter into the remaining sugar mixture until it's light and fluffy. Patience here pays off. Add eggs and yolk gradually; it's all about precision.
  5. The Grand Fusion: Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk. What you'll end up with is a smooth batter. Pour it into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Baking Time: Wait and watch until the cake turns golden brown. It'll take 25 to 35 minutes. Then, cool it down for 10 minutes.
  7. Glazing Glory: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and buttermilk. Spread it over the warm cake and sprinkle the reserved sugar mixture. Let it cool for at least 2 hours. Yes, the waiting might be unbearable, but it's worth it.

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