The Famous Italian 🍋 Lemon Cake That Melts in Your Mouth!

This Lemon Cake is a simple yet heavenly dessert that captures the bright, zesty flavor of lemons in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Perfect for any occasion—or just because—it’s easy to make and bursts with refreshing citrusy goodness. With its light texture and delicate sweetness, this cake is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Juice of 1 lemon 🍋 (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• 3 eggs 🥚
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla sugar (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 140 g sugar (about ⅔ cup)
• 150 ml milk 🥛 (about ⅔ cup)
• 100 ml vegetable oil (about ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 8 heaped tablespoons flour (about 160–180 g or 1¼ cups)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) .
2. Grease a round or square cake pan (approximately 8–9 inches) and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs , sugar , and pinch of salt until pale and slightly frothy.
2. Add the lemon juice , vanilla sugar (or extract) , milk , and vegetable oil . Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder to ensure there are no lumps.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes .
2. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (optional, see tips below) before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the zest of 1 lemon to the batter along with the juice.
• Glaze Option: Make a quick lemon glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for added tanginess and elegance.
• Oil Substitute: You can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Lemon Cake is simplicity at its finest. The combination of fresh lemon juice, creamy batter, and a hint of vanilla creates a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and zesty aroma make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful after-dinner treat.

Indulge in this sunshine-inspired cake—it’s like a ray of happiness on a plate!