Description
This Moist Lemon Loaf Cake with Lemon Syrup is a delightful, tangy treat perfect for any lemon lover. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, the cake is tender and fluffy, thanks to a balanced blend of sour cream, butter, and eggs. A fragrant lemon syrup soaked into the warm cake gives it an irresistibly moist texture and bright citrus flavor that mimics the delicious quality of bakery-style lemon cakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 large lemons (zest + juice)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- â…“ cup cornstarch (40g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
- ½ cup butter (melted and slightly cooled) (120g)
Lemon Syrup
- ¼ cup water (60ml)
- 3½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice (50ml)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C fan). Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Lemon Sugar: Wash lemons in hot water and finely zest them. Rub the zest into the granulated sugar using your fingers until the sugar feels slightly damp and emits a strong lemon aroma.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: Add the eggs to the lemon-scented sugar and beat vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is pale and slightly fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the sour cream and melted butter together until well combined.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the butter mixture to the egg mixture. Mix gently and just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for even baking.
- Bake Cake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare Lemon Syrup: While the cake bakes, pour water, fresh lemon juice, and sugar into a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer Syrup: Let the syrup simmer for 1–2 minutes, then keep it warm.
- Poke Cake Holes: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or toothpick to allow the syrup to soak in better.
- Soak Cake: Slowly spoon the warm lemon syrup over the hot cake, a little at a time, letting it absorb fully before adding more syrup. This step infuses moisture and enhances flavor.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon icing made from lemon juice and icing sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice is crucial for authentic lemon flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Allow the syrup to soak thoroughly into the cake for maximum moistness.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and butter with plant-based alternatives.
