Immerse yourself in the zesty delight of this Ultimate Lemon Cake, a recipe that captures the essence of lemon in every slice. This cake is not just a treat to your taste buds but also a feast for the senses, with its soft crumb and aromatic lemon scent that fills the air as it bakes. The cake itself is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, ensuring a vibrant flavor, while a creamy labneh topping adds a layer of silky smoothness, complementing the citrusy bite with its mild sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This: This lemon cake is perfect for those who adore the fresh and tangy taste of lemons paired with a subtle sweetness. The texture is incredibly moist, thanks to the use of oil and milk in the batter, which keeps the cake tender for days. The addition of a lemony labneh topping not only enhances the cake’s moisture but also boosts its flavor profile, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, be it breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert.
Perfect Occasion: This Lemon Cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, where a light and refreshing dessert is appreciated. It’s perfect for picnics, garden parties, or family reunions. Serve it at your next brunch or take it to a potluck and watch it disappear! It’s also a great choice for holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter, where a bright and cheerful dessert adds to the festive atmosphere.
Decoration Tips: Garnish this beautiful cake with thinly sliced lemon rounds, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even fresh mint leaves for a touch of green. For a more elegant presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or decorate with edible flowers such as violets or pansies.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 4 eggs
- 225 grams of granulated sugar
- 250 ml of milk
- 125 ml of vegetable oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2.5 cups of flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons of labneh cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 100 grams of powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease and flour a cake mold.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add oil, milk, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing lightly.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, gently folding to combine without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes without opening the oven door. Use a toothpick to check doneness; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake a little longer.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Mix labneh, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cake is slightly cooled, pour the topping over the cake, spreading it evenly.
- Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool completely and let the topping set.
- Slice and serve, enjoying the fresh, tangy flavors of your homemade lemon cake.
Enjoy this simple yet delightful Lemon Cake with your loved ones, a treat that brings a burst of sunshine to any table!
