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Moist Lemon Layer Cake with Zesty Glaze

A close-up of a moist, golden slice from a lemon cake recipe loaf drizzled with white glaze and lemon zest.
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You will bake a moist lemon layer cake from scratch that features a bright, tangy citrus flavor and is topped with a simple, sweet lemon glaze. This recipe is reliable and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cakes cool, prepare the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl until smooth. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of glaze over the top. Place the second layer on top.
  11. Pour the remaining glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving this refreshing lemon dessert.

Notes

  • For an extra zesty flavor, you can brush a simple lemon syrup (equal parts sugar and lemon juice, heated until dissolved) over the warm cake layers before glazing.
  • This recipe makes a wonderful springtime cake recipe or a bright birthday cake.
  • If you want a loaf cake, bake the batter in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan for 50 to 60 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/lemon-cake-recipe-moist-zesty-layer-cake/