Description
A bright and tangy Lemon Sheet Cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a luscious lemon glaze. This easy-to-make sheet cake is perfect for gatherings, offering a moist texture from sour cream and a zesty citrus punch in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 ¼ Cups granulated sugar
- 1 Cup salted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 Cup sour cream
- ½ Cup lemon juice
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ Teaspoon lemon extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 ½ Cups all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ Teaspoons baking soda
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 3 ½ Cups powdered sugar
- 6 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13 x 18-inch pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix sugar and butter: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until creamy. Then add the 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and mix well to infuse the batter with citrus aroma.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until combined, creating a smooth batter with balanced flavors.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk to the mixture and stir thoroughly to blend everything evenly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare lemon glaze: While the cake is baking, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl to make a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake as soon as it comes out of the oven to allow it to soak in slightly for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Optional garnish: You can cut lemon slices into smaller pieces and place them atop each slice of cake for decoration and extra lemon zest.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; start checking the cake at 15 minutes.
- The lemon glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner drizzle.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
