Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Yogurt-Lemon Mixture

   In a small bowl, mix 100ml of Greek yogurt with 30ml of lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.

2. 2.Prepare Sugar-Zest Mixture

   In another bowl, mix 150g of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and fragrance.

3. 3.Cream Butter and Sugar

   In a large mixing bowl, add 100g of room temperature butter or margarine. Pour the sugar-zest mixture over the butter and beat with a whisk until creamy and well incorporated.

4. 4.Add Eggs

   Once the butter and sugar are creamy, add two large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until you achieve a homogeneous and smooth mixture.

5. 5.Incorporate First Half of Flour

   Add half of the 165g of wheat flour (approximately 82.5g) to the wet mixture. Mix gently with the whisk in an enveloping motion until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. 6.Add Yogurt Mixture

   Pour the prepared Greek yogurt and lemon juice mixture into the batter. Mix gently until fully incorporated.

7. 7.Add Remaining Flour and Baking Powder

   Add the remaining half of the wheat flour (approximately 82.5g) along with 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix gently until the flour is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.

8. 8.Prepare for Baking

   Pour the cake batter into a rectangular mold lined with parchment paper. If desired, create a line down the middle of the batter and pipe a thin line of margarine or butter along it. This helps the cake crack beautifully during baking.

9. 9.Bake the Cake

   Place the mold in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. 10.Prepare and Apply Syrup

    While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot cake to make it extra moist.

11. 11.Slice and Serve

    Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade lemon cake!