Sourdough Discard Lemon Cake
A bright and tangy cake that uses sourdough discard, resulting in a tender crumb and a zesty lemon glaze.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 cup active sourdough discard (room temperature) If very sour, reduce to 3/4 cup.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier option.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can swap half for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) Use flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled) Use neutral oil for dairy-free.
- 0.5 cup milk (any kind) Use yogurt or buttermilk for extra tenderness; use almond milk for dairy-free.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest About 2 medium lemons.
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice Helps the glaze and brightens the crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda Helps counter the discard’s acidity.
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt Enhances all flavors.
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar Mixed with 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice until pourable.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch round pan and line the bottom with parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, sugar, and eggs until smooth and pale.
- Stir in the melted butter, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
Baking
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with the lemon glaze while slightly warm.
Notes
Add 1/2 cup blueberries for a sweet-tart pop. To lighten, substitute half the butter with applesauce and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup. Explore variations like cupcakes or using almond extract.