Lemon Cake That Melts in Your Mouth: Quick and Delicious Recipe

Craving something sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious? This Lemon Cake is the answer to your dessert desires! Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, this cake is a perfect blend of zesty lemon flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a lemon cake that’s both light and flavorful. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cake:

  • Eggs: 3 large
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
  • Vanilla Extract: 1.5 tsp (7.5ml)
  • Sour Cream: 4 tbsp (60g)
  • Vegetable Oil: 5/8 cup (150ml)
  • Juice of Half a Lemon
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g)
  • Baking Powder: 2 tsp (8g)

For the Finishing Touch:

  • Powdered Sugar: For dusting

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 8-10 slices
  • Calories per Serving: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 20g

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheating the Oven

  • Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly, resulting in a perfect rise and a beautifully golden crust.

2. The Magic of the Foamy Mixture

Beating the Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 3/4 cup (150g) of sugar, and 1.5 tsp (7.5ml) of vanilla extract.
  • Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes light, foamy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for creating a soft and fluffy texture in the finished cake.

3. Incorporating Freshness and Acidity

Adding Sour Cream, Oil, and Lemon Juice

  • Once your egg mixture is nice and foamy, add 4 tbsp (60g) of sour cream, 5/8 cup (150ml) of vegetable oil, and the juice of half a lemon.
  • Gently fold these ingredients into the egg mixture until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds a touch of richness, the oil keeps the cake moist, and the lemon juice provides that refreshing, zesty flavor.

4. Sifting for Perfection

Sifting in the Flour and Baking Powder

  • Gradually sift 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and 2 tsp (8g) of baking powder into the wet mixture.
  • Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth and uniform batter. This step is key to achieving a light and fluffy cake.
  • Use a spatula to fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

5. Buttering Up the Pan

  • Before pouring the batter into the baking pan, make sure to butter and flour the pan generously. This simple yet essential step prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove once baked.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.

6. Baking to Golden Perfection

  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and cooked through.
  • To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
  • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. This cooling time helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle.

7. Finishing Touches with Powdered Sugar

  • After the cake has cooled slightly, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, sprinkle the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar. This finishing touch not only adds a sweet contrast to the zesty lemon flavor but also gives the cake an elegant, bakery-style appearance.

Serving Suggestions

  • This Lemon Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fresh and fruity twist, pair it with a side of mixed berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Tips for Success

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the flour, be gentle and mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense.
  • Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding some lemon zest to the batter. The zest contains essential oils that intensify the lemony taste.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cake is a delightful treat that is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With its moist, tender crumb and bright lemon flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is the perfect choice. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this recipe, and let each bite transport you to lemony bliss!

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