Quick and Easy Vanilla Lemon Cake Recipe
Quick and Easy Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This Quick and Easy Cake is a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients to create a soft, flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cake has a subtle vanilla and lemon aroma, with a fluffy texture that everyone will love. You don’t need to be an expert baker to make this cake – just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert ready in no time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 200g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 260g |
| Butter | 100g |
| Eggs | 220g |
| Whole milk | 60g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Vanilla bean (seeds only) | 1 |
| Baking powder | 16g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 22g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Butter: Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes pale and fluffy. You’re looking for a light, airy consistency that indicates the sugar has dissolved completely. Add the seeds from the vanilla bean and the lemon zest to the mixture, whisking until everything is well combined.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, stirring gently to avoid clumping. Incorporate the dry ingredients in small portions until fully absorbed.
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Add the Milk and Butter: Pour in the cooled, melted butter and the whole milk at room temperature. Stir gently to combine until you have a smooth batter.
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Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease and flour a 22 cm round cake pan, or use a non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once baked. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
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Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the center of the oven, which should be preheated to 170°C (340°F) for a static oven (without fan). Bake for approximately 50 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
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Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake maintain its shape and texture.
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Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake has fully cooled, dust it with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finishing touch.
Tips for a Perfect Quick Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This will help the ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter.
- Sift the Flour and Baking Powder: Sifting your dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps and that the leavening agent (baking powder) is evenly distributed, giving the cake a fluffy texture.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to add a twist to this cake, consider incorporating a splash of vanilla extract or a few drops of almond extract into the batter. You can also add a handful of fresh berries or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Once fully cooled, this cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months, making it a great option for preparing ahead of time.
This Quick and Easy Cake is the ideal recipe for those times when you need a delicious dessert but don’t have much time to spare. With its light and fluffy texture and the comforting flavors of vanilla and lemon, it’s a dessert everyone will adore. Whether served for an afternoon tea, a family gathering, or as a sweet end to a meal, it’s sure to be a hit!
