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2. Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, allowing the flavors to combine fully.
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick and smooth.
3. Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top of the cake batter, ensuring that it covers the surface evenly. The topping will bake into the cake, giving it a beautiful, sweet crunch.
5. Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back slightly when pressed.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Lemon Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze:
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Coffee Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures the cake bakes evenly.
Lemon Zest: Use a microplane or fine grater to get the zest from the lemon. This will ensure that the zest is fine and evenly distributed throughout the cake and glaze.
Sour Cream: The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, making it incredibly soft and tender. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Coffee Cake
Lemon Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of zesty lemon and buttery cake creates a refreshing, light flavor that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. The crumb topping adds a wonderful texture contrast, while the sweet lemon glaze brings it all together with a citrusy finish.