Irresistible Lemon Cake

Few desserts can rival the bright, tangy allure of a lemon cake. This Gâteau au Citron (Lemon Cake) is a French-inspired treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing. It’s a dessert that feels light yet indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a casual afternoon tea, or a special celebration.

This recipe yields a moist, fluffy cake infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. To take it over the top, we add a luscious lemon glaze that enhances its vibrant flavor. Even if you’re a beginner in baking, this lemon cake is straightforward and comes together quickly with pantry staples.

Let’s get ready to bake a delightful cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Prepare to fall in love with this zesty wonder!

2. Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

3. Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. Stir in the lemon juice. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but it will come together.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired.

4. How to Prepare

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk to ensure a smooth batter and consistent texture.
• Zesting Lemons: Use a fine grater or zester to collect only the bright yellow layer of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Testing for Doneness: Start checking the cake at the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Cooling and Glazing: Ensure the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming runny.

5. Preparation Time

• Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

6. Servings

This lemon cake serves 8–10 people.

7. FAQs

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze this lemon cake?
A: Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Q: Can I add poppy seeds?
A: Yes, add 1–2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful lemon-poppy seed cake variation.

8. Conclusion

This Lemon Cake is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves citrusy desserts. Its light, fluffy texture and refreshing lemon flavor make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a simple dessert or dressing it up with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this cake is sure to impress.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with different glazes, add poppy seeds, or layer it with lemon curd for an extra indulgent dessert. No matter how you serve it, this lemon cake will bring a burst of sunshine to your table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!