Description
A bright and refreshing Southern-style cake that balances the rich flavor of butter with the incredible moisture of vegetable oil. This tender-crumbed dessert features fresh lemon zest and Greek yogurt for a zesty, velvety finish that is perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Vegetable oil (such as canola)
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon zest
- Greek yogurt (plain and unsweetened)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Eggs (room temperature)
- Milk (whole or 2%)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch cake tins, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until aerated and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping down the bowl after each addition to maintain the emulsion.
- Mix in the milk, yogurt, and fresh lemon juice; the batter may appear curdled at this stage, which is normal.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the two tins and bake for 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 15–20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the best results, ensure all your refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before you begin mixing to create a smooth, stable batter. If you prefer a more intense citrus punch, you can brush the warm cake layers with a simple lemon syrup made from equal parts sugar and lemon juice. To store, wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap to keep the crumb moist for several days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 33 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American