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Ultimate Lemon Cake: A Zesty and Light Delight
If you’re a fan of desserts that are light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, then the Ultimate Lemon Cake is sure to become your new favorite treat. This cake is the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet cake, creating a refreshing dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a zesty treat, this lemon cake is the ideal choice.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make the Ultimate Lemon Cake—a perfectly moist, fluffy cake topped with a luscious lemon glaze that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Why You’ll Love the Ultimate Lemon Cake
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this lemon cake, but here are the top highlights:
- Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: This cake is so light and airy, with just the right balance of moisture. The secret to its tender texture lies in the combination of sour cream and fresh lemon juice.
- Fresh and Zesty: If you love citrus flavors, this cake is a dream come true! Fresh lemon zest and juice create a zesty punch that refreshes your palate with every bite.
- Versatile: This lemon cake can be dressed up for special occasions like birthdays or weddings, or served casually as a weekday treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Simple to Make: Despite its impressive flavor and appearance, the cake comes together with basic ingredients and is simple enough for any level of baker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra lemony flavor)
How to Make the Ultimate Lemon Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper for easy removal). This ensures the cakes come out easily once baked and prevents any sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its light texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream, Lemon Juice, and Zest
Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. The sour cream adds a deliciously rich texture to the cake, while the lemon juice and zest bring that essential fresh flavor.
