Introduction
Light, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor — this Lemon Cake with Crème Fraîche is a French-inspired delight that’s as elegant as it is simple. The crème fraîche gives it a luxuriously soft texture and rich flavor, while fresh lemon zest and juice bring brightness to every bite. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a refined dessert, this cake is sunshine in every slice!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- 1 ⅔ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup (120 g) crème fraîche (or sour cream)
- ½ cup (100 g) melted butter (or neutral oil)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons (preferably organic)
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- ¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cooling & Glaze Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy.
- Add crème fraîche, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking just until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and slightly thick.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Allow it to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 10 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of crème fraîche for a lighter version.
- Add poppy seeds for a Lemon Poppy Seed twist.
- Replace one lemon with lime or orange for a flavor variation.
- Brush the warm cake with lemon syrup (equal parts sugar and juice) before glazing for extra moistness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve plain with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for dessert.
- Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing, elegant touch.
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days — bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Soft, fragrant, and perfectly tangy, this Lemon Cake with Crème Fraîche captures everything we love about French baking — simple ingredients, refined flavor, and effortless charm. It’s the perfect cake for any occasion, from cozy mornings to elegant celebrations. 🍋💛
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