Citrus Glazed Cake

Introduction: The image you’ve provided depicts a moist and delicious glazed cake, likely infused with a citrus flavor, such as lemon or pineapple. This type of cake is a wonderful treat that combines the light, fluffy texture of a classic sponge cake with the sweet and tangy notes of citrus, all topped with a sugary glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual afternoon tea to festive celebrations. Its simplicity and elegance make it a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by all.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (or pineapple juice)
• Zest of 1 lemon (or 1/2 cup crushed pineapple)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or pineapple juice)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice (or pineapple juice), and zest (or crushed pineapple).
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the sour cream or yogurt until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice (or pineapple juice), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
2. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more juice to achieve the desired consistency.

Glaze the Cake:

1. Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
2. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving the cake.

Conclusion:

This Citrus Glazed Cake is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, with a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth. The vibrant citrus notes paired with the sugary glaze make it an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, a tea-time snack, or even a breakfast indulgence, this cake is sure to impress with its bright flavor and simple elegance. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels. Enjoy this refreshing and zesty cake, and savor the burst of citrus in every bite.