Description
Zesty lemon cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, dancing with bright citrus notes and delicate crumb. Sweet-tart flavors and creamy texture invite you to savor each refreshing slice of pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavoring and Finishing:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour coating.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter at medium speed until achieving a light, airy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Fold in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until ingredients are well integrated.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
- Transfer batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate air pockets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, optionally dust the cake’s surface with a delicate layer of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cake texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Create a tangy lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice for extra moisture and zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg