Experience the zest and zing of summer with this delectably moist Lemon Cake, aptly named “Sunshine in a Slice.” This cake combines the lightness of a fluffy sponge with the invigorating freshness of organic lemons, making every forkful a celebration of citrus. It’s an ideal dessert that brings a bit of brightness into your kitchen, no matter the weather outside.
Why You’ll Love This: This Lemon Cake is not just about its vibrant flavor—it’s also about texture and the joyful experience it brings. The sponge is tender, with the perfect crumb, enriched by the natural oils and acidity of the lemon, which help to lift the flavor profile to delightful new heights. It’s both comforting and exhilarating, making it a perfect treat for any lemon lover.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is wonderful for spring and summer gatherings, or any time you want to add a splash of brightness to your day. It’s fantastic for afternoon tea, brunches, or as a cheerful dessert after a family meal. Additionally, its elegant appearance and refreshing taste make it suitable for celebratory events like birthdays, Mother’s Day, or Easter.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the cake’s appearance, top it with a lemon glaze that adds both shine and an extra punch of lemony tartness. Once the glaze sets, garnish with thin lemon slices or zest for a beautiful, natural decoration that emphasizes the cake’s fresh ingredients. Edible flowers, such as violets or marigolds, can also be sprinkled on top for a touch of color.
Ingredients:
- 125g soft butter
- 125g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 200g flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Juice and zest of 2 small organic lemons (for the batter)
- 50g powdered sugar mixed with the juice of 1 lemon (for the glaze)
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare a 10 cm x 19 cm x 7 cm loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing and flouring it.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and airy.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing thoroughly to distribute the lemon flavor evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, combining gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to ensure an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and additional lemon juice until smooth.
- Once baked, let the cake cool slightly in the pan, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and form a sweet, tangy crust as it cools.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Enjoy this slice of sunshine, a lemon cake that promises to brighten your day with its light, refreshing taste and moist texture!
