How to Make French Lemon and Zucchini Cake
If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dessert, French Lemon and Zucchini Cake might be just what you need. This moist cake is a beautiful blend of zesty lemon and tender zucchini, making it perfect for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to create a cake that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for French Lemon and Zucchini Cake
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions to Make French Lemon and Zucchini Cake
Follow these steps to whip up a scrumptious French Lemon and Zucchini Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2. Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This will help keep your cake from becoming too soggy.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in Zucchini
Gently fold in the grated zucchini into the batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed without over-mixing the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once your French Lemon and Zucchini Cake has cooled, you can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Pair it with a light whipped cream or serve it alongside fresh berries for an added touch.
Tips for the Perfect French Lemon and Zucchini Cake
- Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- For an extra zing, you can add more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract to the batter.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.
This French Lemon and Zucchini Cake is a delightful treat that merges healthy ingredients with amazing flavor. It's perfect for afternoon tea, weekend gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!