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Moist Lemon Layer Cake with Zesty Lemon Glaze Recipe

Close-up of a moist slice of lemon cake recipe layered with frosting and drizzled with a thick lemon glaze.
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Bake this from-scratch lemon layer cake for a bright, tender dessert. This recipe yields moist slices perfect for birthdays or spring gatherings, topped with a zesty lemon glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 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 Zesty Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium 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. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner one.
  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. Pour the remaining glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Notes

  • For an extra moist cake, brush the tops of the cooled cake layers with a simple lemon syrup (equal parts sugar and lemon juice, heated until dissolved) before glazing.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
  • This recipe is excellent for spring baking or birthday celebrations.

Nutrition

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