Blitzkuchen (Lightning Cake)
- 20m Prep Time
- 35m Cook Time
- 1h 5mReady In
One 8-inch cake; 8 to 10 servings This Joy classic can be baked with or without the almond topping. Either approach produces a beautifully tender cake. Have all ingredients at room temperature, about 70°F. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 × 2-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (4 oz or 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice
- (⅓ cup sliced almonds)
- (1 heaping tablespoon sugar)
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (4 oz or 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice
- (⅓ cup sliced almonds)
- (1 heaping tablespoon sugar)
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Whisk together thoroughly in a medium bowl: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt
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Step 2.
Beat in a large bowl, or in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, until creamy: 1 stick (4 oz or 115g) unsalted butter, softened
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Step 3.
Gradually add and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes: 1 cup (200g) sugar
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Step 4.
Beat in one at a time: 3 large eggs
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Step 5.
Beat in: Finely grated zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice
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Step 6.
Stir in the flour mixture just until combined. Scrape the batter into the pan and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top with a mixture of: (⅓ cup sliced almonds); (1 heaping tablespoon sugar)
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Step 7.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
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Step 8.
Let cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the sides with a knife, invert onto the rack, peel off the parchment paper, and turn right side up on the rack to cool. Frost with any frosting.