lemon cakes Great Gatsby recipe
Inspired by the elegance and indulgence of the Roaring Twenties, this lemon cake is a perfect nod to The Great Gatsby. Light, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor, it’s ideal for special occasions or a sophisticated afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp heavy cream optional for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan (or two 8-inch round pans for layering).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs & Flavor: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze: Let the cake cool before drizzling with lemon glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add heavy cream if desired. Pour over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- For extra flair, garnish with candied lemon slices or edible gold flakes.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.