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Lemon cake slice with glaze and lemon slice garnish on white plate.

Lemon Cake Recipe

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly dark hair sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.Amy Golden
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 412 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk at room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus more if needed, for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon milk plus more if needed, for glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
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  • Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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  • Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture and milk into the batter, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Stir until barely blended; avoid overmixing.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Slowly add the milk. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice or milk until you reach your desired taste and consistency.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Allow it to set before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 151mgFiber: 1g
Keyword lemon cake recipe
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