The zingy burst of lemon in a perfectly baked cake is always a pleasant surprise. A Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is a masterpiece of citrusy flavour, bringing together the vibrant brightness of fresh lemons with the comforting indulgence of a soft, moist crumb. It’s a treat that tantalises the taste buds and leaves you longing for just one more slice. I have known a cake to vanish!!
The Joy of Lemon
Lemon has a way of cutting through the richness of desserts, providing a fresh and tangy contrast. In a lemon cake, this tang is balanced with the sweetness of sugar, creating a delightful harmony. The fragrant zest infuses every bite with citrusy essence, while the juice lends a natural tartness that lingers on the palate. Each forkful offers a burst of sunshine, making it the perfect cake to brighten any day.
A Cake for All Occasions
One of the best things about a Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is its versatility. It effortlessly takes centre stage at birthdays, afternoon teas, or even casual weekend gatherings. Served simply with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze, it’s elegant yet understated. For a more indulgent experience, pair it with a dollop of clotted cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
And let’s not forget how well it complements a cup of tea. The gentle acidity of the lemon cuts through the tannins of a robust Earl Grey, making it a match made in dessert heaven. Prefer something bubbly? A glass of chilled Prosecco is an excellent partner, adding a celebratory sparkle to your cake indulgence.
Personal Touches
While the classic lemon cake is perfection on its own, there’s always room for a little creativity. A handful of blueberries folded into the batter adds pops of sweetness and colour, while a hint of thyme or rosemary brings an earthy complexity. For those who love a stronger citrus punch, a tangy lemon curd layer between two cake rounds will take things up a notch.
Alternatively, a cream cheese frosting can be slathered on top for a rich contrast to the cake’s bright flavour. For an extra flourish, consider adding candied lemon slices as a beautiful and edible decoration.
A Slice of Sunshine
Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is a cake that doesn’t mater if you’re sharing it with friends or savouring it in a quiet moment of indulgence, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet and tangy, treat yourself to a slice of this lemony delight. After all, a little zest goes a long way!
Lip Smacking Lemon Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225 g unsalted butter softened
- 225 g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large lemons zested and juiced
- 50 ml whole milk
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 150 g icing sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
- Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.225 g unsalted butter, 225 g caster sugar
- Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.4 large eggs
- Stir in the fresh lemon zest, allowing its fragrance to infuse the batter.2 large lemons
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder.225 g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk and lemon juice.50 ml whole milk, 2 large lemons
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and gently fold until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Mix the icing sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, slightly runny glaze.150 g icing sugar, 3 tbsp lemon juice
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.