Savor the Sweetness: Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

Imagine a soft, moist sponge cake infused with the vibrant zest and tangy juice of fresh lemons, enveloped in a luscious lemon-infused butter frosting.

This Lemon Butter Cake is a symphony of citrusy flavors, a delightful treat that’s both simple to prepare and undeniably irresistible.

The cake itself is a straightforward blend of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest and juice.

The batter comes together quickly, requiring just a few minutes of mixing until smooth and creamy.

Meanwhile, the lemon butter frosting is a dream come true for citrus lovers. Unsalted butter is creamed with powdered sugar, then infused with lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, resulting in a smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the cake.

Once the cake is baked to golden perfection, it’s cooled and generously frosted with the lemon butter frosting.

The combination is nothing short of heavenly – the moist, lemony cake harmonizes beautifully with the rich, citrusy frosting, creating an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Lemon Butter Cake Recipe
Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients For Lemon Butter Cake Recipe:

Recipe Time:

Crafting this culinary masterpiece won’t consume your entire day. In fact, you can whip up this Lemon Butter Cake in just under 60 minutes, making it a perfect choice for spontaneous celebrations or when those sweet cravings kick in.

Yield:

This recipe yields a generous 12 slices, ensuring there’s enough to go around for family gatherings, dinner parties, or those moments when you simply want to treat yourself to a slice of sunshine.

Equipment Needed:

Before we dive into the zestiness, gather your kitchen essentials:

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Zester or grater
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients:

Let’s assemble the stars of our Lemon Butter Cake Recipe show:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

5. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Gently fold in the lemon zest and juice, infusing the batter with that unmistakable citrus kick.

6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Lemon Butter Cake
Lemon Butter Cake

Nutrition Facts Of Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

  • Calories: 459.0
  • Total Fat: 26.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 36.0 mg
  • Sodium: 234.0 mg
  • Potassium: 0.4 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56.6 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Sugars: 50 g
  • Protein: 6

Tips and Variations:

1. Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique flavor profile.

2. Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.

Health Benefits:

While we all indulge in sweet treats from time to time, the lemon in this cake brings a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants to the table.

Remember, moderation is the key to enjoying these delectable moments guilt-free.

How Do You Keep A Cake Moist After Baking?

There are many ways to keep a cake moist after baking, but the most popular one is adding a lot of butter.

Butter is heated milk solids, which are sugar and fat. The sugar in butter releases moisture while making the cake moist.

Which Ingredient Makes The Cake Very Soft?

Several ingredients contribute to the soft and moist texture of a lemon butter cake. Here are some of the key players:

1. Butter: Butter is a crucial ingredient in cakes, providing richness, flavor, and tenderness.

Room temperature butter, when creamed with sugar, traps air, which expands during baking, leading to a light and airy crumb.

2. Eggs: Eggs not only bind the cake batter but also contribute to its structure and moisture. The yolks provide richness and emulsification, while the whites add lightness and fluffiness.

3. Sugar: Sugar helps tenderize the cake by attracting and retaining moisture. It also contributes to the cake’s structure and browning.

4. Lemon Juice: The acidity in lemon juice reacts with the baking powder, activating it and producing carbon dioxide gas.

These bubbles expand during baking, creating a light and airy crumb. The lemon juice also adds flavor and moisture to the cake.

5. Lemon Zest: Lemon zest contains essential oils that enhance the lemony flavor of the cake. It also adds a subtle texture to the cake batter.

6. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the cake to rise during baking.

The appropriate amount of baking powder is essential for achieving a soft and tender crumb.

7. All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake. The gluten in the flour develops when the batter is mixed, forming a network that traps the air bubbles and contributes to the cake’s rise and texture.

In combination, these ingredients work together to create a soft, moist, and flavorful lemon butter cake.

The balance of these ingredients is crucial, as too much of any one ingredient can lead to an undesirable texture.

How Long Do You Leave Butter Out?

Butter should not be left out for more than 30 minutes as it will become rancid. It should be kept soft by wrapping it in aluminum foil

and keeping it in a cool place or refrigerating it. You can then microwave the plastic or foil and use the butter.

Is It Better To Put A Cake In The Fridge Or Leave It Out?

Whether or not to refrigerate a cake depends on the type of cake and how long you plan to store it.

For most cakes, it is best to store them at room temperature for 2-3 days. This will help them retain their moisture and keep them from drying out.

However, if you need to store a cake for longer than 3 days, or if it contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese frosting or fresh fruit, it is better to refrigerate it.

Can I Bake A Cake 2 Days Before Party?

Yes, you can bake a cake 2 days before a party. In fact, it is often recommended to bake cakes in advance so that they have time to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

This will give you more time to prepare for the party and ensure that the cake is at its best.

How Long Can Cake Sit Out Unrefrigerated?

The length of time a cake can sit out unrefrigerated depends on the type of cake and the storage conditions.

Unfrosted cakes can typically last at room temperature for 2-3 days. Pound cakes and other dense cakes can last up to 5 days at room temperature.

Frosted cakes can last at room temperature for 1-2 days. Cakes with buttercream frosting can last up to 3 days at room temperature.

Cakes with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream should be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best type of flour to use for a lemon butter cake?

All-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used for lemon butter cakes. It provides the cake with structure and a light, fluffy texture.

How do I frost a lemon butter cake?

There are many different ways to frost a lemon butter cake. A popular option is to use buttercream frosting. To make buttercream frosting, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add lemon zest and juice to taste.

How do I store a lemon butter cake?

Lemon butter cakes can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. However, if the cake has frosting, it should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze a lemon butter cake?

Yes, you can freeze a lemon butter cake. To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Then, place the cake in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw the cake, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature until it is completely thawed.

Conclusion

There you have it – my tried-and-true Lemon Butter Cake recipe. Baking is not just a hobby; it’s a journey filled with flavors and memories.

So, preheat those ovens, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to leave your taste buds tingling with delight.

Along with many other types of food, people enjoy a few favorite cakes at all sorts of gatherings. One of those types is a lemon butter cake.

This recipe is light and fluffy, not too rich but still decadent enough to be delicious. The tart lemon flavor combines with the smooth, creamy taste of butter.

Read this article to find out how to make this type of cake when you have a sweet tooth.