Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of history - a lemon cake so legendary it was once served in the White House! Lady Bird Johnson's Famous Lemon Cake isn't just a dessert; it's a culinary masterpiece that has delighted generations with its perfect balance of tangy brightness and sweet comfort. This isn't just any cake - it's a presidential recipe that promises to transform your baking game and transport your guests to a world of nostalgic, zesty deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tbsp of lemon zest, and ½ cup of lemon juice until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, you can frost it with your favorite lemon icing or enjoy it plain. Serve and enjoy your delicious Lady Bird Johnson's Famous Lemon Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor - avoid the white pith which can make the cake bitter.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Optional Upgrade: Consider adding a simple lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
