Description
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.
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with electric mixer for 8-10 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.
- Add lemon zest. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture in three additions.
- Combine lemon juice and oil. Carefully fold into batter until just incorporated.
- Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and springy to touch.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over cooled cake, allowing it to drip down sides.
- 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
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg