Lemon Butter Cake Recipe
This Lemon Butter Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the richness of buttery cake with the bright, tangy zest of fresh lemon. Topped with a luscious lemon butter glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Butter Glaze:
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Glaze: While the cake is baking or cooling, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is warm, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork, then slowly pour the glaze over the cake allowing it to soak in and enhance moisture and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the cake as a delightful dessert or snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slight tang and more moisture.
- If glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice to thin it out.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon butter cake, lemon cake recipe, moist lemon cake, citrus dessert, butter cake, homemade cake, lemon glaze