Lemon Celebration Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed to adjust consistency)

For Garnish (optional):

• Lemon zest
• Fresh berries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

3. Bake the Cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency (thick but pourable).

5. Assemble the Cake:

   • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
   • Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.

Enjoy your Lemon Celebration Cake! It's perfect for any special occasion or just a delightful treat.