π Incredible Lemon Cake Recipe π
Overview:
If you’re a fan of the zesty, refreshing taste of lemon, get ready to fall head over heels for this Incredible Lemon Cake recipe! Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa on FoodTV, this delightful treat is a perfect blend of tangy lemon flavor, moist crumb, and a sweet, citrusy glaze. Don’t be intimidated by its eleganceβthis recipe is simpler than it looks, and the result is truly show-stopping.
Timing:
Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
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Cooking Time | 1 hour |
Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions:
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Preheat and Prep:
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- Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes on medium speed.
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Add Eggs and Lemon Zest:
- With the mixer still on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the lemon zest for that vibrant citrus punch.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures a light, airy texture to your cake.
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Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. This blend adds moisture and a tangy kick to the cake.
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Alternate Mixtures:
- Gradually add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the batter, alternating between the two. Start and end with the flour mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Infuse with Lemon Syrup:
- Once the cakes are done, allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- While they cool, make the lemon syrup by combining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and place them on a wire rack set over a jelly pan. It’s best to invert the cakes on the rack so the syrup can soak into the bottom.
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Spoon on the Lemon Syrup:
- Spoon the prepared lemon syrup over the warm cakes. This adds a delightful tangy sweetness and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
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Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 3/4 cup of lemon juice until smooth. This glossy glaze will add a beautiful finish to your cake.
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Drizzle and Garnish:
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cakes, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for an elegant look.
- For a final touch, garnish with lemon slices and a few sprigs of fresh greens, such as Italian parsley or mint leaves.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into this Incredible Lemon Cake and savor each moist, citrusy bite. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a brunch centerpiece. Share with loved ones and bask in the praise for your baking prowess!
Tips:
- For extra lemony flavor, add a bit more lemon zest to the batter.
- Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you only have one loaf pan, you can bake the cakes one at a time.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
π Dive into Lemon Delight! π
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Incredible Lemon Cake recipe. Whether you’re a lemon lover or simply looking for a show-stopping dessert, this cake delivers on flavor, texture, and elegance. Enjoy the bright citrus notes, moist crumb, and sweet-tangy glazeβit’s a slice of heaven on a plate! Perfect for brunch gatherings, weeknight indulgences, or any time you crave a burst of lemony goodness. Give it a try and let the zesty magic unfold! π°β¨