This Vanilla Lemon Cake with Chocolate Shavings is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake. Infused with the fresh zest of lemon, a hint of vanilla, and studded with rich chocolate shavings, this cake is incredibly soft, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this easy-to-make cake will quickly become a family favorite. The balance of citrusy lemon and sweet chocolate creates a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick to prepare and requires only simple ingredients, yet it delivers exceptional flavor. The combination of lemon zest with vanilla gives the cake a refreshing brightness, while the chocolate shavings add just the right amount of richness. Plus, it’s versatile – you can enjoy it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar or dress it up with a glaze for special occasions. It’s the perfect cake for when you want something easy but delicious!
Perfect Occasion:
This vanilla lemon cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea, a casual weekend dessert, or even a birthday celebration. Its light and fluffy texture make it ideal for spring or summer gatherings, but it’s also a great everyday treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. The simplicity of the recipe makes it a go-to for those times when you need a last-minute dessert without sacrificing flavor.
Decoration Tips:
For a simple yet elegant look, dust the cake generously with powdered sugar before serving. You can also make a quick lemon glaze by combining powdered sugar with a little lemon juice and drizzling it over the cake for an extra citrusy kick. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a few extra chocolate shavings or zest some lemon on top for added color and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 125g very soft butter
- 125g sugar
- 3 eggs (size M-L)
- 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
- 70ml milk
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 pack baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100g chocolate shavings
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) using the top/bottom heat setting. Line a loaf pan (30x12 cm) with baking paper or thoroughly grease it with butter. - Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the very soft butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla sugar, milk, flour, baking powder, and the zest of one lemon. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined (you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed, or if using a Thermomix, mix for 45 seconds at level 5). - Add the Chocolate Shavings:
Gently fold in the chocolate shavings until evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. - Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Lemon Cake with Chocolate Shavings – a perfectly balanced, light, and indulgent treat!
Storage Tip:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage; just thaw and enjoy whenever you’re craving a quick and delicious treat!