
A zesty and moist cake packed with the vibrant flavour of eight lemons.
Prep
20 min
Cook
50 min
Total
70 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Instructions
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Pro tip: Line the sides of the pan with parchment for easy release.
Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Pro tip: Whisking aerates the flour, making the cake lighter.
Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Pro tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Incorporate wet ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
Pro tip: Do not rush this process to avoid curdling.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pro tip: Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Pro tip: Rotate the cake halfway through baking for even cooking.
Prepare lemon syrup
While the cake bakes, combine lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
Pro tip: Use a pastry brush for even syrup application.
Apply syrup and cool
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and brush the lemon syrup over the warm cake. Allow to cool completely.
Pro tip: Cooling the cake completely ensures the syrup is absorbed.
Tips & Tricks
- Use organic lemons for the best flavour and to avoid pesticide residues.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Test the cake's doneness with a toothpick: it should come out clean.
- For a more intense lemon flavour, add a lemon glaze after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavour, you can use bottled juice if necessary.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to a month. Wrap it well to maintain moisture.
Do I need to adjust the recipe for high altitude?
At high altitudes, you may need to reduce the baking powder slightly and increase the oven temperature by 15-25°F (10-15°C).
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
What other citrus fruits can I use?
You can experiment with limes or oranges, but the flavour profile will change.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
320
Calories
4g
Protein
16g
Fat
42g
Carbs
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