Indulge in the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon with this delightful fluffy cake recipe. Bursting with tangy lemon juice and fragrant zest, this cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. Its light and airy texture, combined with the zing of citrus, will leave you craving more with every bite. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and create this zesty masterpiece together!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/8 cups sugar
- 1/2 egg
- 1/2 egg yolk
- Juice from two lemons
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest from one lemon
- 5/8 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 cup sugar (for optional glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 7 x 11 inches pan or a loaf pan.
- Prepare Lemon Milk Mixture: Combine the juice from two lemons with milk. Stir well and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Beat in the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, until well incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the lemon milk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optional Glaze: While the cake is still warm, you can brush the top with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and sugar for added sweetness and shine.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve this delightful lemony treat!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Texture: For a lighter texture, you can beat the egg whites separately until stiff peaks form and fold them into the batter at the end.
- Lemon Syrup: If you want to intensify the lemon flavor, you can brush the warm cake with a lemon syrup made from lemon juice and sugar before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some extra lemon zest or powdered sugar on top of the cake for a beautiful finishing touch.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto: To make a keto-friendly version, you can substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar. Adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
- Low-Carb: Similarly, for a low-carb version, replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. You can also use coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? A: While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without any additives.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage.
Q: Can I omit the lemon zest? A: While the lemon zest adds a burst of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder lemon taste. However, it will affect the overall flavor of the cake.
Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon? A: Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits such as lime, orange, or grapefruit to create variations of this cake. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of this zesty lemon fluffy cake. With its tender crumb, delicate texture, and bright citrusy taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea as an afternoon snack or served as a dessert at your next gathering, this cake is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the citrusy aroma fill your kitchen as you bake up this delightful treat!
