A perfectly balanced, moist cake with bright citrus notes
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary: Vegetarian
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9-inch cake pan
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Microplane/zester
- Parchment paper
Alternative: No mixer? Use a whisk and wooden spoon (requires more effort)
INGREDIENTS
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) cake flour
- 2 tsp (10g) baking powder
- ½ tsp (2.5g) baking soda
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Grease pan and line with parchment.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon zest and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in three batches, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable
- Don’t overmix after adding flour
- Cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage
- Room temperature: 2 days
- Refrigerated: 5 days
- Freezer: 3 months (unfrosted)
Common Variations
- Add 1 cup blueberries for Lemon-Blueberry Cake
- Mix in 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- Top with cream cheese frosting or lemon glaze
Scaling Tips
- Double recipe for a three-layer cake
- Halve recipe for a 6-inch cake
This recipe creates a tender, zesty cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The key is in the details – proper temperature ingredients and careful mixing will give you stellar results every time.
