There’s nothing like a soft, melting and fragrant lemon cake to delight lovers of fresh and tangy flavors! This timeless dessert is perfect for a gourmet snack, a sunny breakfast or a sweet break with a cup of tea. Let yourself be seduced by this soft and light cake, enhanced by a tangy lemon sauce that enhances each bite.
Why Choose This Lemon Cake Recipe?
- Simple to make : Everyday ingredients and accessible steps, even for beginners in the kitchen.
- Guaranteed softness : Thanks to the yogurt and oil, this cake remains ultra light and airy.
- A unique tangy touch : The lemon sauce provides a perfect contrast between sweetness and freshness.
Ingredients for a Soft Lemon Cake (22 cm Mold)
For the cake:
- 4 eggs
- 100 g caster sugar
- Zest of two lemons
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 plain yogurt
- 90 g sunflower oil
- 1 sachet of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g flour
For the tangy lemon sauce:
- Juice of one lemon
- 50 g sugar
- Zest of two lemons
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of softened butter
Steps to Make a Perfect Moist Lemon Cake
Preparation of the Cake
- Mixing the liquid ingredients :
- In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the lemon zest and sugar. Whisk until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the plain yogurt and mix again. Then add the lemon juice and mix.
- Incorporation of the oil :
- Pour in the oil in a thin stream while mixing. This step guarantees a soft and melting texture.
- Adding dry ingredients :
- Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. Gradually add them to the liquid mixture. Mix gently with a spatula to avoid overloading the dough.
- Cooking :
- Pour the batter into a previously buttered and floured cake tin.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the cake for 45 minutes . Check the cooking by inserting the blade of a knife: it should come out clean.
- Let cool before unmolding.
Preparation of the Tangy Lemon Sauce
- Cooking the lemon cream :
- In a saucepan, mix the lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest and egg yolks.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens (do not let it boil).
- Incorporating the butter :
- Off the heat, add the softened butter and mix until you have a smooth, even sauce.
- Rest :
- Cover the sauce with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to take on a creamy texture.
Dressage and Service
- Cake topping :
- Once the cake has cooled completely, brush it generously with the tangy lemon sauce. You can use a brush to spread it evenly.
- Decoration :
- Add some fresh lemon zest on top for a decorative touch and even more freshness.
- Tasting :
- Serve the cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a gourmet and refined break.
Tips for an Irresistible Lemon Cake
- Fresh zest : Remove the lemon zest just before using it to preserve its intense flavor.
- Plain yogurt : Choose whole yogurt to make your cake even softer.
- Cooking time : Keep a close eye on the cooking. Every oven is different, so adjust the time if necessary. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Lemon sauce : You can double the quantities to have more sauce to serve alongside the cake as an accompaniment.
Gourmet Variations
- Lemon-poppy seed cake : Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchy effect.
- Lemon-coconut cake : Replace part of the flour with grated coconut for an exotic version.
- Gluten-free : Use a gluten-free flour mix (rice, almond) to adapt the recipe.
- Lemon Glaze : Make a simple glaze with icing sugar and a little lemon juice for a classic, shiny finish.
FAQs about Moist Lemon Cake
Can this cake be made in advance?
Yes, the cake will stay moist for 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to store lemon sauce?
The sauce will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it slightly before using if necessary.
Can I use lime?
Of course, it will add an even more tangy and original touch.
Can you replace the yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or crème fraîche instead of yogurt.
Does the recipe work with a larger pan?
If you use a larger pan, reduce the thickness of the batter slightly and monitor the baking time carefully.
A Fresh and Delicious Recipe to Absolutely Try
This soft lemon cake is an invitation to simplicity and indulgence. Perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity, it is enhanced by a lemon sauce that will delight citrus lovers. Light, airy and tasty, this recipe is suitable for all occasions and will bring sunshine to your plates.
So why not try it today and treat your loved ones with this delight? Enjoy!
- Discover our recipe for Easy and Quick Lemon Tart.
- Also try our orange moelleux for another fruity treat.
- Learn all about lemon varieties and their uses in cooking .
- Guide to choosing an effective lemon zester .
