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What happens when you add lemon juice to cake batter?

Baking is a science, and when you experiment with ingredients like lemon juice, the results can transform your cake. The citrus flavor adds a fresh burst of tang while also affecting the chemistry of the batter. But what actually happens when you add lemon juice to your cake batter? Let’s explore the role of lemon juice in flavor, texture, and rising.

  • Total Time: 52 minute
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Mix dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Combine wet ingredients:
    In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the oil, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • Combine dry and wet ingredients:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.
  • Bake the cake:
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and serve:
    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, glaze with a lemon syrup or top with your favorite frosting.

Notes

Adding lemon juice to cake batter is a great way to enhance both flavor and texture. The acidity plays a crucial role in activating leavening agents and creating a lighter, fluffier cake. By understanding how lemon juice interacts with other ingredients, you can master the balance of flavors and achieve the perfect cake. Don’t hesitate to experiment with both lemon juice and lemon zest for a truly citrusy delight!

For more baking inspiration and delicious recipes, check out Recipes Alyssa for a variety of sweet treats and baking tips.

  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: lemon cake, lemon juice in baking, lemon zest cake, baking with citrus, fluffy lemon cake, easy lemon cake recipe, moist cake recipe, lemon-flavored dessert