Perfect Lemon Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Cuisine: American

A moist and tangy lemon cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea, offering bright citrus flavor that delights dessert lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 c. flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  4. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. You can substitute the whole milk with buttermilk for added richness. If you want to enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract. Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple treat. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Fluffy Lemon Pie or with fresh berries to complement the citrus flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Perfect Lemon Cake contains roughly 1236 calories, with 14g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2741mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).

1236 kcal 62% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.4g 29% DV
Total Fat 60.4g 77% DV
Carbs 166.1g 60% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2740.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 1132mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 593.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 525mcg 58% DV
Vitamin C 21.4mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 706.9mg 54% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. However, avoid using whole wheat flour as it will affect the cake's density and flavor.

What kind of frosting works best with this cake?

A simple lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this lemon cake, enhancing its flavor without overpowering it. You can also consider a light whipped cream topping for an airy finish.

How can I make this cake more lemony?

To intensify the lemon flavor, add zest from one or two lemons to the batter. You can also incorporate lemon juice into the frosting or glaze for an extra burst of citrus.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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