Citrus Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
For the Citrus Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add citrus juices and zest: Stir in the lemon, orange, and lime juices, as well as the zests of the lemon, orange, and lime. Mix until combined.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes (for a round pan) or 50-55 minutes (for a loaf pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Citrus Glaze:
1. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, lime juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more juice to thin it out.
2. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the citrus glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.