Lemon Blossom Bundt Cake
Indulge in this delightful Lemon Blossom Bundt Cake, inspired by Lady Bird Johnson's favorite flavors. This moist and zesty cake is perfect for gatherings or a special weekend treat. With its luscious icing and vibrant lemon notes, it's sure to brighten up your dessert table. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply craving something sweet, this cake is bound to impress your family and friends. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3/4 cup (at room temperature (plus melted butter for greasing the pan))
Cake Flour
2 1/2 cups ((plus more for dusting the pan))
Baking Powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1 1/4 cups
Egg Yolks
8
Whole Milk
3/4 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Fresh Lemon Zest
2 teaspoons
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon
Powdered Sugar
2 cups
Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup (at room temperature)
Fresh Lemon Zest
1 tablespoon
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons
Heavy Cream
2 teaspoons ((plus more as needed))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously brush the inside of a 10-cup Bundt pan with melted butter and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined; set aside.
3
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and lemon-colored, then gradually incorporate them into the butter-sugar mixture until just blended.
5
With the mixer set to low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, starting and ending with the flour, and mix until just combined after each addition.
6
Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes to ensure a smooth batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Stir vigorously until the icing is smooth and pourable. Adjust with more cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
10
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top, allowing it to flow down the sides.
11
Serve the cake and enjoy! It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 weeks without icing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Blossom Bundt Cake?
It is a moist and zesty citrus cake inspired by Lady Bird Johnson's favorite flavors, perfect for gatherings or special treats.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should I prepare the Bundt pan?
Generously brush the inside of a 10-cup Bundt pan with melted butter and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour is recommended for a finer crumb, but you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing them with cornstarch.
How many egg yolks are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 egg yolks, which provide richness and a beautiful yellow color.
What size Bundt pan is needed?
You will need a 10-cup Bundt pan for this recipe.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, fresh lemon juice and zest provide the most vibrant and authentic citrus flavor.
What are the ingredients for the icing?
The icing consists of powdered sugar, softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream.
What should I do if my icing is too thick?
If the icing is too thick, adjust it by adding more heavy cream until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
How should I store the Lemon Blossom Bundt Cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, the cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 weeks, preferably without the icing.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
It is delicious served with a cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable dessert experience.
At what speed should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and sugar on medium speed using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Beat the mixture for approximately 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Why do I need to alternate adding flour and milk?
Alternating dry and wet ingredients ensures the batter is well-combined without overworking the gluten or curdling the mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Real butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture in this particular cake recipe.
What type of milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of whole milk.
Can I substitute lemon with lime?
Yes, you can substitute lime juice and zest for a Lime Blossom Cake variation.
How much vanilla extract is used?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the batter.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, while it involves a few specific steps, the instructions are straightforward for most home bakers.
What should the texture of the icing be?
The icing should be smooth and pourable so it can drizzle elegantly down the sides of the cake.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
You could fold in finely chopped nuts if you prefer a bit of crunch, though the original recipe is nut-free.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Lady Bird Johnson's favorite lemon flavors.
Can I make this cake in a regular cake pan?
You can, but the baking time will vary, and it will lose the signature Bundt cake shape.
Should the butter for the icing be softened?
Yes, 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter is needed to ensure a smooth icing.
Does the cake need to be completely cool before icing?
Yes, ensure the cake is completely cool before drizzling the icing to prevent it from melting and running off too quickly.