The lemon butter cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty freshness of lemons with the rich creaminess of butter.
It typically consists of a moist and tender cake infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, resulting in a tangy and flavourful treat.
The cake is often topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze or frosting, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations, this lemony delight is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more.
So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of baking with lemon!
How To Prepare Lemon Butter Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Yield: 10 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Zester
- Juicer
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
How To Make Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
4. Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
5. Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack and drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Why Does Butter Cake Become Hard?
Butter cake becomes hard primarily due to over baking, causing it to lose moisture. Using too much flour or too little liquid can also result in a dense texture.
Improper storage, like leaving it uncovered or in a dry environment, can lead to hardening over time. To avoid this, follow the recipe closely, bake for the recommended time, and store it in an airtight container to maintain its softness.
How Do You Increase The Flavor Of Lemon In A Cake?
To increase the flavour of lemon in a cake, try using freshly grated lemon zest. This adds intense citrus notes. You can also add a bit of lemon extract for an extra punch of flavour.
Another option is to brush the baked cake layers with a lemon syrup while they’re still warm. This infuses the cake with even more lemony goodness.
Additionally, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cake batter for a tangy boost. Finally, garnishing the cake with thinly sliced lemon rounds can enhance both the flavour and appearance.
Unique FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
While lemon extract can be used as a substitute, it may result in a slightly artificial flavour compared to the fresh testiness of lemon juice.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze leftover cake slices?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but be mindful of adjusting the salt content in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavour.
Can I omit the lemon zest for a milder lemon flavour?
While lemon zest adds brightness to the cake, you can omit it if you prefer a more subtle lemon taste.
Conclusion
Lemon butter cake is an unanimous winner, with its delicious contrast of acid citrus with rich butter. Whether you savoir it as a simple treat with a cup of hot tea or present it on the centre stage of a big celebration, this divine dessert is bound to please the palate and bring a smile to whoever tastes its enchanting sweetness.
This tender cake has a bright, zesty, lemony flavour, and moist texture that is a sign of really good homemade baking – especially when frosted over a cake with a sweet glaze.
Well, get your ingredients together, get your oven heated up and have that wonderful lemon smell fill your house as you are in for a culinary delight that is going to leave a long lasting impression.
Lemon Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Zester
- Juicer
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Make the Glaze
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack and drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving.