4 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
FOR THE GLAZE
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
2. Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, one at a time, and the lemon zest.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.
4. Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves and makes a syrup. When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a rack set over a tray, and spoon the lemon syrup over the cakes. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
5. For the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over the top of the cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides.
I would definitely eat this hot out of the oven with a glass of milk or coffee. Mmmmm!
I am drooling and I so need a piece of that cake!
Wow! This is what I call ‘Food Porn’!
And it’s what I’m limited to at the moment as I, like you, am dieting. And I’m trying to go dairy and sugar free – which is harder than you think when you’re a vegetarian!
Who knows, after this diet, then fasting for Lent – I might even dare to bare in a pair of cute shorts like yours by the time the summer comes? Here’s hoping!
I am not a lemon lover, but that looks delicious!!
Tantalizing, especially on a day that starts out at 12*, so this Northerner will take it. And my 16 year old calls the Barefoot C,”Barefoot Con-boring” or something like that.
That cake looks SO good! How did you handle writing that out? Wasn’t it torture?
You are one tough as nails lady. 🙂
Man that looks yummy! You’re tempting me to be worse than usual today.
-FringeGirl
Yeah, that cake looks good, but did you see Idol last night? Wasn’t the story about Kai the best?! (Just trying to distract you from the diet and the cake…)
congrats on the award!
the cake looks awesome…too bad i’m dieting too…
Yum and I think the 1/2 of butter just to my butt-er.