Classic English Lemon Cake

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Introduction:
Classic English Lemon Cake is a zesty and moist loaf cake with a bright lemon flavor and a tender crumb. This traditional British dessert is often served with a cup of tea, making it perfect for afternoon tea parties or casual gatherings. A sweet and tangy lemon glaze poured over the top adds an extra burst of citrus and makes this cake absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients (For a 9×5-inch Loaf):

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  1. Add Eggs, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla:
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract, and mix well.
  1. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the lemon juice and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  1. Bake:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

  1. Make the Glaze:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  1. Glaze the Cake:
  • Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides. For extra zest, sprinkle some additional lemon zest on top of the glaze.

Tips for Success:

  • Fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The zest adds concentrated citrus flavor, while the juice brightens up the cake and glaze.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
  • Avoid overmixing: To keep the cake light and fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.

Recommendation:

Enjoy this Classic English Lemon Cake with a cup of Earl Grey tea or coffee. It’s ideal for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a light dessert after dinner. The tangy lemon glaze adds a refreshing finish, making this cake a perfect balance of sweet and tart!

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