Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors with this Lemon-Infused Apple Cake. The bright zest of fresh lemons complements the sweet, juicy apples, creating a moist and fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or at room temperature as a charming afternoon treat, this cake will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a delightful dessert that combines the classic comfort of apple cake with a refreshing citrus twist.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch bundt pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into squares or slices and serve as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat. Enjoy the zesty flavor and moist texture!