Description
This vibrant Lemon Sheet Cake is a bright and tangy dessert featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Topped with a smooth lemon glaze, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making it an ideal treat for gatherings and celebrations.
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 the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F and spray a 13 x 18-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until fluffy, then mix in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until well combined.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk to the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Spread batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare glaze: While the cake is warm, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl to form a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the cake: Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the warm cake to soak in and add sweetness.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally, cut lemon slices into pieces and place a piece on top of each cake slice for decorative garnish before serving.
Notes
- Room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming with sugar.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- The glaze adds extra moisture and sweetness—apply while cake is warm.
- Garnish with lemon slices for a fresh, attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
