Lemon Cakes – A Great Gatsby Delight
A touch of roaring '20s elegance meets zesty citrus perfection! These lemon cakes are light, airy, and bursting with bright, refreshing flavor. Perfect for tea parties, celebrations, or just a luxurious treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar organic cane sugar works too!
- 3 large eggs or 3 flax eggs: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water each
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (or dairy-free butter substitute)
- 1/2 cup milk or almond/oat milk for dairy-free option
Citrus Zest & Juice
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Flavor Enhancer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Sifting helps create a light, fluffy cake texture.
3️⃣ Blend the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and melted butter until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. (For vegan version, mix flax eggs or applesauce.)
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until combined.
4️⃣ Infuse the Citrus Magic
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
- This step enhances the cake’s bright and tangy flavor.
5️⃣ Combine and Fold
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Mix gently—a few lumps are fine! (Overmixing can make cakes dense.)
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cooling and Final Touches
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra flavor.
Video
Notes
✔ For extra moisture, brush the cakes with a simple lemon syrup after baking.
✔ Want a layered cake? Double the recipe and add lemon frosting between layers!
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
✔ Want a layered cake? Double the recipe and add lemon frosting between layers!
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.