1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
1.1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
1.2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
1.3. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
1.4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
1.5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Bake the Cake:
2.1. Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2.2. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
2.3. Cool:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
3.1. Mix Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3.2. Add Zest (Optional):
- Stir in lemon zest if using for extra flavor.
4. Frost the Cake:
4.1. Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a more decorative effect.
4.2. Let the Glaze Set:
- Allow the glaze to set before serving. This will take about 15-30 minutes.
5. Serve:
5.1. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake into pieces and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may not have the same brightness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Cooling: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
This lemon cake is a delightful treat with its moist texture and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any time you need a burst of citrusy goodness. Enjoy baking and savoring your homemade lemon cake!