The Ultimate Sunshine Citrus Cake Lemon Bliss

Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Slice!

Fancy a bit of sunshine? I reckon you need this best citrus cake recipe in your life. Honestly, it's like a holiday for your taste buds. Think tangy, sweet, and oh-so-moist.

This moist lemon cake recipe has roots in classic European baking. It’s an easy cake recipe , perfect for beginners.

This recipe yields 10-12 slices, ideal for afternoon tea with the girls or a simple family dessert.

Why You'll Love This Citrus Dream

The secret? A double dose of citrus! The lemon cream cheese frosting cake , as it's sometimes baked, packs a punch. Zest and juice create layers of delicious flavor.

Think about those gloomy British days. This lemon and orange cake is the perfect antidote. One slice and you're transported to a sun-drenched orchard.

Quick Hook: Zest for Life!

Ever feel like life gives you lemons? Well, bake a cake! This best citrus cake recipe will turn those lemons into liquid gold, creating a slice of heaven.

It's packed with lemon flavor and zesty deliciousness.

A Cake for Every Occasion

This isn't just a cake; it's an experience. This moist lemon cake is perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or just because! The lemon cake lemon frosting is the star of the show, making it an unforgettable treat.

Plus, with a touch of orange, it's not just a lemon velvet cake but a festival of orange cake recipe flavors.

Ready to get baking? Next, we'll dive into the ingredients you'll need. Trust me, it's simpler than you think!

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to bake the best citrus cake recipe . It's easier than doing the washing up.

Trust me! Let's make a Moist Lemon Cake Recipe , even Auntie Susan can whip up.

Ingredients & Equipment: Sunshine Edition!

This ain't your grandma's dry old cake. It is going to be Moist Lemon Cake . We will make Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Cake , Lemon Velvet Cake or just a Lemon Cake Lemon Frosting if you fancy, the base ingredients are the same.

You could even try this as an Orange cake recipe . This Bundt cake recipe or Citrus drizzle cake is truly versatile, and it will give you that Lemon and orange cake that you always wanted.

This is a super Easy cake recipe .

Main Ingredients for our Sunshine Cake

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. We'll measure in US and metric because I know some of you across the pond are reading this.

For the Cake Body:

• Softened unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g/8 oz) . Look for butter that's pale yellow and smells creamy.
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups (400g) . The regular stuff is fine.
• Large eggs: 3 . Free range if you can get 'em, happy chickens, happy cake!
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Pure extract is always better, but imitation works if you're in a pinch.
• Lemon zest: 2 teaspoons , finely grated. Trust me, you want the zest! It is the main part of the lemon flavor.
• Orange zest: 1 teaspoon , finely grated. Zesting adds a fragrant punch that you do not want to miss!
• All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups (281g) . Bleached or unbleached, doesn't matter much.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon . Check the date to make sure it's still active.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon . Same as above.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . Just regular table salt.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . It adds a lovely tang and keeps the cake moist.
• Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup (60ml) . Bottled juice works, but fresh is always brighter.
• Fresh orange juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .

For that Zingy Glaze:

• Confectioners' sugar: 1 ½ cups (180g) , sifted. Sifting gets rid of any lumps.
• Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup (60ml) . We are really bumping the lemon with a blast of zest!
• Fresh orange juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon , finely grated.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bomb!

Honestly, it's the citrus that sings in this cake. Don't skimp!

• Essential spice combinations: We're keeping it simple with vanilla, lemon, and orange. They’re a winning combo.
• Flavour enhancers and aromatics: A pinch of almond extract can boost the vanilla. A tiny dash of cardamom with the zest is delightful.
• Quick substitution options: If you don't have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy KitchenAid for this, promise!

• Essential tools only: A 9 inch Bundt pan or a 9 inch springform pan is your best friend. An electric mixer is helpful, but you can use a whisk if you are feeling strong! You'll also need a zester, juicer, wire rack, and measuring cups/spoons.
• Common household alternatives: No Bundt pan? Use two 8 inch round cake pans. No zester? Use a vegetable peeler and then chop the peel finely.

Now, go forth and bake!

Alright, let's bake the best citrus cake recipe , shall we? This isn't your average bake; it's like sunshine in cake form! We're talking a zesty, moist lemon cake recipe that's gonna knock your socks off.

I remember the first time I tried something similar, it was this tiny bakery in Cornwall, and the smell alone… Oh my gosh!.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, essential mise en place. Get all your bits and bobs measured out. This avoids any mid-bake meltdowns.

Soften your butter. Room temp ingredients are key. Think about organizing by putting all the dry ingredients in one bowl, and wet in another.

Safety first! Don't be an idiot when you're zesting. No one wants finger zest.

step-by-step Sunshine Baking

Ready? Let's do this!

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Prep your pan with butter and flour so that your cake dont get glued.
2. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Imagine you are creating a cloud of sweet goodness.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and citrus zest until just combined.
4. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl.
5. Alternate adding wet and dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Stir in citrus juice.
7. Bake for 35- 45 minutes . Insert a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done!
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes , then invert onto a wire rack to cool.

That wonderful aroma of the baking cake, can bring tears to your eyes!.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Citrus Cake

• Don't overmix ! This creates a tough cake. No bueno!
• Avoid dry cake by making citrus drizzle cake . Combine icing sugar and lemon juice. Poke holes in the cake, and drizzle while warm.
• If you wanna be super fancy, a lemon cream cheese frosting cake could be your next showstopper!

Honestly, there are so many variations you could try. A lemon velvet cake might just be the most perfect combination ever thought!.

You know, maybe if you are not a fan of lemons, then you would really like an orange cake recipe .

This is an easy cake recipe that will be a sure success!. And don't forget the Lemon Cake Lemon Frosting , it's literally the icing on the cake!

Anyway, happy baking! I hope this moist lemon cake recipe is a game changer for you!

Recipe Notes: Your Citrus Cake Success Guide

Alright, so you're about to whip up this best citrus cake recipe ? Ace! Honestly, it's easier than falling off a log, but here are a few extra bits and bobs to ensure pure baking brilliance.

Consider this your cheat sheet for citrus cake glory. Let's make this the best moist lemon cake EVER!

Serving it Up in Style

So, how do you make your citrus drizzle cake look the bee's knees? For plating and presentation, think simple elegance.

I like to dust it with a little extra icing sugar, just before serving. It gives it that lovely, almost snowy look.

A few fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a pop of colour. Thinking about sides? Honestly, this cake is gorgeous all on its own, but a dollop of lightly sweetened cream never hurt anyone.

Or, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beverage wise, you can't go wrong with a cup of Earl Grey tea.

It's the perfect afternoon treat! You could also serve it with a sparkling wine for a fancier occasion. Remember when I served a lemon and orange cake to my snooty aunt? She loved it!

Storing Your Sunshine

Right, so you've baked your masterpiece. Now what? For refrigeration, wrap the cake tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container.

It'll keep for up to 3 days, no worries. Freezing? Yep, you can! Wrap it tightly in cling film and then tin foil.

It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

A quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds ) will bring it back to life if you're in a rush.

Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!

Tweak it 'Til You Make It

Fancy a little twist? For dietary adaptations, you can easily make this a gluten-free lemon cake lemon frosting by using a gluten-free flour blend.

Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for that lovely texture. Want to adapt to the seasons? Swap out the lemon and orange for other citrus fruits like grapefruit or blood orange in winter for a totally different flavour profile.

Consider an orange cake recipe if you want to try something a little different! Have you ever tried a lemon cream cheese frosting cake ?

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each slice of this easy cake recipe is roughly 350-400 calories. It's got a good dose of carbs (around 45-50g), but hey, it's cake! The key health benefit? It's a serious mood booster.

Vitamin C, anyone? It has got around 3 to 4 grams of protein too.

Honestly, making this best citrus cake recipe should be a blast. If I can do it, you definitely can! Go on, give it a go.

You might surprise yourself. And let me know how it turns out! Happy Baking, love!. You got this moist lemon cake recipe thing covered!.

If you’re looking for something a bit richer, consider a Lemon Velvet Cake or even a Bundt cake recipe .