Tangy Lemon Cake with Tangy Lemon Frosting

This lemon cake is a citrus lover's dream, bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. The cake is moist and tender, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from the lemon. After baking, the cake is soaked in a lemon syrup, ensuring that every bite is infused with a bright, zesty flavor. A final layer of lemon glaze adds a beautiful finish, making this cake both delicious and visually appealing. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing a refreshing burst of citrus to your table.

Why you'll love this:

You’ll love this lemon cake for its moist texture and vibrant lemony flavour. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice and a sweet lemon syrup ensures that the cake is packed with citrus goodness in every bite. The lemon glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cake’s moist crumb, making it an irresistible treat for lemon lovers. This cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with afternoon tea or serving it as a light dessert after dinner.

Perfect opportunity:

This lemon cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, where its fresh, tangy flavor will be a hit. It’s perfect for tea parties, brunches, or as a dessert for a family dinner. The cake’s bright flavor and beautiful presentation make it a great choice for entertaining, and its simplicity ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.

Decorating tips:

For an elegant finish, drizzle the lemon icing over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. You can also garnish the cake with thin slices of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra pop of colour and flavour. Serve the cake on a decorative platter to show off its golden hue and gorgeous icing. If you're feeling creative, you can even add a sprinkle of icing sugar or edible flowers for a festive touch.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 1.5 lemons
• 1 sachet lemon flavoring (or additional lemon zest)
• 100 ml of thick cream
• 60 ml vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the lemon syrup:

• 50 ml lemon juice
• 50 ml of water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the lemon glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Enough lemon juice to make a frosting consistency

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and enhance the lemon flavor.
   • Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and beat until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
   • Pour in the vegetable oil and heavy cream, continuing to mix until well incorporated.
   • Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients and mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overmix.

2. Bake the cake:
   • Generously grease a cake tin with butter, making sure all sides are well coated.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Once cooked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
3. Prepare the lemon syrup:
   • While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
   • Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the hot lemon syrup over the top, letting it soak in. Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight to absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare the lemon icing:
   • In a small bowl, combine the icing sugar with enough lemon juice to create a thick, runny glaze. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Finish and serve:
   • Unwrap the cake and place it on a serving platter. Pour the lemon frosting over it, spreading it evenly and letting it drip down the sides.
   • Cut and serve the cake, garnishing with lemon zest or additional slices if desired.

Appreciate!