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The Ultimate German Glazed Lemon Sponge Cake Recipe

German Glazed Lemon Sponge Cake
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A light and airy German-style sponge cake infused with bright lemon flavor, topped with a crisp sugar glaze. This traditional ‘Zitronenkuchen’ features a delicate crumb and refreshing citrus taste, perfect for afternoon coffee or as a dessert.

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cake:
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Optional Garnish:
  • Thin lemon slices
  • Edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with electric mixer for 8-10 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.
  3. Add lemon zest. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture in three additions.
  4. Combine lemon juice and oil. Carefully fold into batter until just incorporated.
  5. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and springy to touch.
  6. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  7. Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over cooled cake, allowing it to drip down sides.
  8. Let glaze set before serving. Garnish if desired.

Notes

  • For authentic German texture, use type 405 flour if available
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume
  • Do not open oven during first 20 minutes of baking
  • For variation, add 1 tsp poppy seeds to batter
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
  • Serve with whipped cream and berries for dessert

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/german-glazed-lemon-sponge-cake/