Quick Lemon Cake

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This Quick Lemon Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that comes together in no time. Perfect for when you need a quick treat, this cake boasts a light, airy texture and a refreshing lemon flavor. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s an ideal cake for beginners or anyone short on time. Its tangy lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to make it even more delightful!

Origin:

Lemon cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, often made during the spring and summer months when fresh lemons are in season. This quick version simplifies the traditional recipe, making it accessible for any occasion without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Bake the Cake:

  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake.

Serve:

  1. Slice and enjoy your Quick Lemon Cake, with a burst of bright lemon flavor in every bite!

Tips for Success:

  • If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add a little more lemon zest to the batter or glaze.
  • You can also add a handful of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon poppy seed cake twist.

Recommendations:

  • Serve this cake with a cup of tea for a refreshing afternoon treat or as a light dessert after a meal.
  • This cake is best served fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 12 servings):

  • Calories: ~230
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg

This Quick Lemon Cake is perfect when you’re craving a sweet and zesty dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious!

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