Best Lemon Cake Recipes for a Refreshing Sweet

Recipe Overview 🍽️

A fresh and light lemon cake, perfect for a sweet break or to enjoy with a hot beverage. This cake is loved for its tangy aroma and soft texture that melts in the mouth.

Prep Time	Total	Servings
15 Min	1 Hr (including baking)	8 slices

History of the Recipe ✍️

The lemon cake has Mediterranean origins, where citrus fruits are plentiful and often used in desserts. Its popularity has spread widely, cherished for its simplicity and refreshing taste. This delightful treat is perfect for a sweet break or to enjoy with a hot beverage. Loved for its tangy aroma and meltingly soft texture, the lemon cake brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. Whether served as a light dessert or a delightful snack, its zesty flavor and moist crumb make it a favorite among both adults and children. The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a harmonious balance of sweet and tart, making each bite a pure delight.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

200 g flour
150 g sugar
100 g melted butter
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
3 eggs
1/2 packet baking powder (about 6 g)
A pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture lightens and becomes foamy.
Add the melted butter, then the lemon zest and juice. Mix well.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the liquid mixture. Gently fold until a smooth batter forms.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar for decoration, if desired.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

For a stronger flavor, use organic lemons to make the most of their zest without pesticides.
For an even softer cake, replace part of the butter with plain yogurt.

Possible Variations 🎭

Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a crunchy texture and a slight nutty flavor.
Lemon and Almond Cake: Replace 50 g of flour with almond flour for a softer texture and a mild flavor.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking a lemon cake takes about 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). To ensure the cake is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. This baking time allows the lemon flavors to fully develop, resulting in a moist and fragrant cake. Preheating the oven is crucial for even baking, and it’s important to avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent the cake from collapsing. Once baked, let the lemon cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps maintain the cake’s structure and enhances its final texture.