Tasty and Simple Lemon Cake – 12 Spoons Italian Cake

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they become light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. The key to a soft, airy cake is to properly cream the butter and sugar together.

#### Step 3: Add Eggs and Lemon
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, which will give the cake its signature citrus flavor.

#### Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing gently to ensure everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the ingredients come together to form a smooth batter.

#### Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking at around the 25-minute mark.

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can make a simple lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set into a shiny, sweet finish.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze has set (if using), slice the cake and serve it with a cup of coffee or tea. The cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor. It’s perfect for enjoying on its own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for a more indulgent treat.

### Tips for the Best Lemon Cake

– **Use Fresh Lemons**: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, fresh citrus flavor. While you could use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemons will always give the best taste.

– **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Once all the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. The batter should be smooth, but with a few lumps from the flour.

– **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of zest or lemon juice. Conversely, if you prefer it less tart, cut back on the lemon juice slightly.

– **Make It Ahead**: This cake can be made the day before you plan to serve it. The flavors continue to develop and meld, making it even better the next day.

– **Try a Different Frosting**: While the glaze is delicious, you can also top this cake with a cream cheese frosting, a light whipped cream topping, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler option.

### Why This Cake Works

The **12 Spoons Italian Cake** concept is all about simplicity—using only 12 tablespoons (or 1 cup) of ingredients. This keeps the recipe straightforward and ensures that the flavors shine through. The use of lemon juice and zest provides the cake with a bright, refreshing tang, while the butter and sugar ensure it remains moist and tender.

This cake’s texture is light and fluffy, thanks to the well-beaten butter and sugar and the delicate folding in of the flour mixture. The addition of whole milk ensures the cake stays moist and soft without being too dense.

### Conclusion

The **Tasty and Simple Lemon Cake** inspired by the **12 Spoons Italian Cake** is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its light and fluffy texture, refreshing lemon flavor, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you enjoy it as a simple treat with a cup of tea or dress it up with a drizzle of glaze, this cake is guaranteed to brighten your day. So, grab your ingredients and give this delightful lemon cake a try—you won’t be disappointed!