Lemon Bundt Cake

This Lemon Bundt Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the bright, zesty freshness of lemon. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a festive gathering. The refreshing lemon flavor shines through, making it a light yet indulgent dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup lemon zest
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations

• Lemon Glaze: For extra lemon flavor, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake.
• Berry Addition: Add fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture and a more pronounced lemon flavor.
• Vegan Lemon Bundt Cake: Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), use plant-based butter, and substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk mixed with lemon juice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled Lemon Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the ingredients.
2. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
   Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Why is my cake dense?
   If the cake is dense, it may have been overmixed. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until incorporated, especially after adding the dry ingredients.
4. Can I use a different citrus fruit in place of lemon?
   Yes, you can replace the lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick is wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
6. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
7. What can I serve with this cake?
   This cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Can I add a glaze to the cake?
   Yes, you can drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and lemony flavor.
9. Can I use a smaller Bundt pan?
   If using a smaller Bundt pan, adjust the baking time accordingly, as a smaller pan may require less time to bake the cake.
10. How can I make the cake fluffier?
    To make the cake fluffier, be sure not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can result in a denser cake. Also, make sure to measure the flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Conclusion

This Lemon Bundt Cake is a perfect combination of zesty lemon flavor and rich, moist texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of tea, this cake will impress anyone who takes a bite. Easy to prepare and full of fresh, tangy lemon goodness, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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