Introduction
Baking is an art that combines simple ingredients to create mouthwatering treats. One such delight is a soft, sweet cake with a burst of citrus flavor.
which can be elevated with a hint of cinnamon sugar. This recipe provides a simple yet delicious way to bake a cake that is perfect for family gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack.
By blending butter, sugar, and tangy buttermilk, you’ll get a moist and flavorful base, while the cinnamon-sugar mix will add a delightful twist. This cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients
For the batter:
-1 cup of soft butter
-2 cups of sugar
-2 eggs
-2 cups of buttermilk or homemade buttermilk (2 cups of milk + 2 tablespoons of vinegar)
Juice from lemons
-4 cups of flour
-2 teaspoons of baking soda
For the cinnamon and sugar mix:
Two-thirds cups of sugar
-2 small teaspoons of cinnamon
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan, preparing it for the cake batter.
In a large bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes around 4-5 minutes, so be sure to mix thoroughly.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
This will help ensure that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating a smooth texture. After the eggs are mixed in, add the lemon juice and mix again until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk.
Begin and end with the flour mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter, covering the surface lightly. The cinnamon sugar will add a lovely flavor and texture to the cake once it’s baked.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted.
into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the edges will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This cooling period will help the cake set and ensure that it remains moist and tender.
Once the cake has cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and served. You can enjoy it as is or dust it with a little more cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make
Making this cake is a simple process that requires only a few key steps. The first step is to mix the butter and sugar until fluffy.
which creates the foundation for a light and airy cake. The next step is to add the eggs and lemon juice, which adds moisture and a fresh citrus note.
When incorporating the dry ingredients and buttermilk, it’s important to alternate between the two to avoid overmixing the batter.
This ensures that the cake will remain light and tender. The cinnamon sugar topping is the final touch, adding flavor and a bit of crunch to the cake’s surface.
Baking the cake is straightforward, but make sure to check for doneness using a toothpick. Every oven is slightly different, so the baking time might vary slightly.
Cooling the cake properly will ensure that it doesn’t fall apart when you slice it, preserving its soft, moist texture.
Tips
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, making your own is easy. Just mix regular milk with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before.
adding it to your batter. This homemade version works just as well as store-bought buttermilk.
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can zest the lemons before juicing them and add the zest to the batter. This will give your cake an even more pronounced citrus taste.
Be sure to measure your flour correctly, as too much flour can result in a dense cake. A good tip is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
If you like your cakes to have a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with sour cream or yogurt. This will add more moisture and create a denser texture.
When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix it, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best results.
For a more decadent version of this cake, try frosting it with a simple cream cheese frosting or a lemon glaze. This will add an extra layer of flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar topping.
If you want to make this cake in advance, it stores well at room temperature for up to three days. Just cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
This cake is an easy-to-make, flavorful treat that brings together the best of lemon and cinnamon. Its moist texture and sweet.
tangy flavor are sure to please any crowd, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you serve it with coffee, tea, or as a dessert, it’s bound to be a hit.
The recipe allows for creativity, so feel free to adjust the ingredients or add your own personal touch. No matter how you choose to make it, this cake will deliver delicious results every time. Enjoy!