A Lemon Cake To Die For
A Lemon Cake To Die For is a moist, tangy, and irresistibly sweet dessert offering a perfect balance of vibrant lemon flavor and tender crumb. Ideal for any occasion, from casual afternoons to elegant dinner parties, this cake uses simple pantry staples to create a refreshing and unforgettable treat with a luscious lemon glaze.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt (dairy-free alternative if needed)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by zesting and juicing fresh lemons. Measure out all dry and wet ingredients separately to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates a soft texture in the cake.
- Add Eggs and Lemon: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse the batter with bright citrus notes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry mixture and sour cream into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth to create a shiny glaze.
- Glaze and Cool: While the cake is still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over it. Allow the cake to cool completely so the glaze sets beautifully.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help everything blend evenly for a smoother batter and lighter cake.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir until just combined to keep the crumb tender instead of tough.
- Zest lemons before juicing to maximize lemon flavor.
- Pour glaze over warm cake to allow it to soak in, boosting moisture and flavor.
- Use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice for the brightest, freshest taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: lemon cake, citrus cake, moist lemon cake, gluten-free lemon cake, lemon dessert, lemon glaze, tangy cake