Lemon Crunch Cake: Recipe and Baking Tips

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for topping
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon extract
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream, for serving

Note: The total time does not include 30 minutes of inactive time.

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a square cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line the base of the pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a large bowl and combine them with a hand mixer.

3. 3

   Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. 4

   With the mixer running, slowly drizzle the buttermilk into the wet ingredients until it is incorporated.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

6. 6

   With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, and mix until the batter just comes together.

7. 7

   Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it out into an even layer.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar over the top of the cake.

9. 9

   Place the pan in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 30–35 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.

11. 11

    Run a knife around the edge of the pan, then carefully flip it over to remove the cake.

12. 12

    Serve the cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream.

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