17 May 2018

Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake

Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake - A Feeds-A-Crowd Half Sheet Cake / www.delightfulrepast.com

Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake is not something I would have made back in my days of fancy layer cakes.

Ages ago I took a long series of cake decorating lessons and spent many hours converting all of my cake, frosting and filling recipes to work with all the various sized pans I might be using for different numbers of people.

Gradually (quite quickly, actually!) I acquired all the equipment one would need to make all sorts of beautiful cakes for any occasion, including weddings. It was fun, but I am so over all that!

Sure, I'll still do a fancy cake once in a while, if I happen to get in the mood. Usually, I just make a layer cake (homemade, of course) frosted and filled with a buttery icing and maybe do a simple piped border.

But for days when even that is too much effort ... there's always one of my quick and easy sheet cakes that are served right from the pan—a quarter-sheet pan or a half-sheet pan for a big feeds-a-crowd cake like this.

It is quite a flat cake, tender and velvety, and can be cut into about seven or eight dozen 1 1/2-inch squares as a quick and easy stand-in for petits fours (I don't make those anymore either!) at your next large tea party.

I like to spread the frosting on while the cake is still warm so it sort of melts into a smooth, shiny glaze. But in this case, it just looks like frosting because the cake completely cooled while I ran to the store for some powdered sugar.

I know, I know, you’re supposed to make sure you have everything before you start cooking (mise en place). And I did. But what I thought was powdered sugar was actually tapioca flour, so …

You might also like my Banana Sheet Cake and, soon, my Fresh Peach Sheet Cake. Are you for making easy sheet cakes this summer? 


Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake - A Feeds-A-Crowd Half Sheet / www.delightfulrepast.com

Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake


(Makes 18x13x1-inch half-sheet, 32 servings)

The Cake


4 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/3 cups (10.67 fluid ounces/315 ml) buttermilk, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 dip-and-sweep cups (12.5 ounces/354 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (12.25 ounces/347 grams) sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 sticks (7 ounces/198 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
Finely grated zest of 3 Meyer lemons

The Frosting


6 tablespoons (3 ounces/85 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 firmly packed cups (12 ounces/340 grams) unsifted powdered sugar
1/16 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons (1.5 fluid ounces/44 ml) fresh Meyer lemon juice

1 Preheat oven to 350F/180C/Gas4. Spray an 18x13x1-inch half-sheet pan with cooking spray; don’t try to make-do with a smaller pan, or the batter will overflow.

2 In medium bowl, lightly combine the eggs, 1/3 cup of the buttermilk and the vanilla extract.

3 In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; with electric mixer on low speed, mix for 1 minute to blend (it rather takes the place of sifting). Add the softened butter and remaining buttermilk. Mix on low speed until combined. Mix on medium-high speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Beat in the egg mixture in three batches, beating for 20 seconds after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest by hand; otherwise, the zest gets all tangled up in the beaters.

4 Pour into prepared pan. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on wire rack, about 15 minutes, before frosting. While the cake is cooling just a bit, make the frosting.

5 In large mixing bowl, beat softened butter. Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar, then salt, vanilla and lemon juice. With offset spatula, apply thinly to the slightly cooled cake. It will melt a bit into a smooth, shiny glaze. Let cool thoroughly, 3 to 4 hours, before serving.

Jean

69 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

The cake looks really tender and delicious...don't even think I need the frosting at all :-)

Sherry said...

oh.
oh my.
oh my heart. ♥

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Angie. And I only put frosting on for other people - I always scrape it off my portion!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sherry, I do love a bit of lemon cake with my tea!

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

So. The truth now. Buckingham palace called you with an SOS to help them meet the demand for this Saturday’s wedding, right? Seven or eight dozen squares? That’s food kitchen size. That’s…that’s three or four dessert servings for Sully. Don’t know who Meyer was, but lemon sheet cake is a close cousin to lemon meringue pie. Nothing more need be said… 5 cleavers.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sully, it is such an honor to receive the coveted 5 Cleavers Award. And I assure you, I will eventually post the Lemon Meringue Pie. At the risk of starting a storm on the "interwebs," I must admit (for your ears only) that I'm not entirely pleased with young Harry's choice (show biz people don't have the best record in the marriage department, you know). But since I don't actually know her, I should keep that to myself!

Linda Kay said...

Jean, this looks so good, and I have a new meyer lemon plant growing on my patio!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Linda, thank you! Wonder how long it will take your plant to get lemons? So good to hear from you!

Billie Jo said...

Thank you!
I cannot wait to make this.
Looks like a perfect summer treat!

TONY said...

Lemon cake!! Oh Yes!!I like lemon anything ,but, somebody mentioned lemon meringue! That is the ,"piece de resistance," as far as I am concerned. I love saying that phrase. It brings all things French to mind and I love France. I am going to say it again, "piece de resistance, with an extra emphasise on the French pronunciation and a kiss of the finger tips. I really have gone off on a tangent now Jean. French and Lemon Merangue? NO! "Meyer lemon sheet cake."Sounds great. All the best Jean. It's sunny here.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Billie Jo, thank you! DO let me know how it turns out for you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Tony. You can go off on a tangent over French and lemon meringue anytime! I'm sure you're enjoying that sunshine, too.

Thankful for Grace said...

I love any and all things lemon, so this is a definite must try at my house.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Patti. I hope you like it as much as we do! We're real lemon fans.

Louca por porcelana said...

Surely "FIVE CLEAVERS"!(although I don't know anything about cooking,it's really mouthwatering...)Beautifully displayed too!Hugs,Jean!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Maristella. Hugs!

Jeanie said...

This looks like it might be my all-time favorite of your recipes. I need to make sure I print this one out before I forget!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I'd love a slice of your Meyer Lemon Cake, Jean! It would be perfect with some hot tea or iced tea, and it sounds absolutely scrumptious!

Marilyn Miller said...

This sounds oh so good! I love anything lemon. Yummmm!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jeanie, thank you! I hope you'll try it soon and let me know how you liked it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Kitty. I can just imagine a slice with iced tea at a picnic or potluck barbecue!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Marilyn, thanks. I think lemon is definitely one of my top three favorite flavors.

Cheryl said...

I am totally for making easy sheet cakes this summer . . . especially since you named this one "Quick and Easy Feeds-a-Crowd Meyer Lemon Sheet Cake"! (As you know, we do feed a crowd.) :)

NanaDiana said...

OMGOSH--This looks delicious. I have been looking for a simple lemon cake and I LOVE Meyer lemons. I copied his over to my files and will take it to the next gathering I attend. Thank you SOOOO much!!! xo Diana

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Yes, Cheryl, you DO feed a crowd--your family IS a crowd! So glad this might just work for you.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Diana, thank you! I hope it will be a big hit at your gathering.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Sheet cakes like yours are my favorite and called Blechkuchen in Germany. I have a lemon tree and there is no excuse not to make your delicious looking cake.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Gerlinde! And thank you for the German lesson. I love learning food terms in other languages.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh that looks so danged tasty. I could sooooo go for a big ole huge piece of that yumminess!

Thanks for your recipe! Lemon anything is my hub's very favorite.

Do you think it would be the same dip and sweep measurement using cake flour versus all purpose, Jean?

Thanks for the inspiration - I think I will make this tomorrow. Hugs.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Michele! If using cake flour, I'd add anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 cup more of it than all-purpose flour. Let me know how it turns out!

Cocoa and Lavender said...

What a treat! I can’t wait till Meyer lemons are back in the neighborhood! Rumor has it that Trader Joe had them recently... must check! I suppose I could do a two-thirds lemon, one-third orange for this...

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, David! Sure, if TJ's is out of the Meyers, 2/3 lemon and 1/3 orange works great. I should have mentioned that in the post!

Sippity Sup said...

I like s sheet cake because it has just the right cake to frosting ratio. GREG

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I think a lot of people would agree with you, Greg. But I--ever contrary--always scrape off frosting!

georgie @ georgie eats said...

I love ANYTHING lemon! I will have to give this a go - thank you for the inspo! x

chickenruby said...

ooh that cake looks yummy, i rarely bake these days as I'm the only one that eats cake in this house

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Georgie! We love lemon, too, so I make (and post) lots of lemon stuff!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Suzanne! In that case, make this cake and cut it into your favorite portion size and freeze individual portions. Then you'll be set for solo cake eating for a long time to come!

Susan J Meyerott, M.S. said...

Yummm, Jean. You hit on my favorite. Lemon cake made with Meyers Lemons doesn't get much better than that! Growing up we had a single prolific Meyer Lemon tree. Every birthday I wanted a lemon cake with lemon meringue and coconut frosting. Thanks for this!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sue, thank you! Glad you like it. When I was growing up, I learned to always say No, Thank You, when offered lemon cake because my mother was the only person in town who made it from scratch instead of a box!

Manu said...

I love lemons and this cake looks delicius.
Love

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Manu! I'll be making it again soon for a big potluck picnic.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I grew up in Texas where sheet cakes were very popular. Your Meyer lemon one looks and sounds terrific.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Karen! I think the first sheet cake I ever had was a chocolate "Texas" Sheet Cake made in a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan.

Chef Mimi said...

Just beautiful. And so springtime!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Looks so yummy! I love lemon, this is right down my alley. Being on a diet right now is killing me...LOL

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Mimi! It is perfect for springtime.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Linda, thanks. All the best with your diet; what kind? Whatever it is, read my Intermittent Fasting post!

Tarahlynn said...

Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at the to Grandma's house we go link party!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Tarah! Love seeing what all you're doing to your Grandma's house!

Miz Helen said...

Jean, your Lemon Sheet Cake looks delicious! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday.
Miz Helen

Tracie @ Somewhat Awry said...

This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Miz Helen! See you Thursday!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Tracie, thank you. It's one of our favorites.

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

This looks fabulous, Jean!! I love lemon cake....pinning!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Debbie, thank you! Pins and any social media shares are *much* appreciated!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love pretty much anything lemon, and this looks so delicious!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jann. I do, too - as long as it's real lemon!

Kitchen Riffs said...

I'm decorating-challenged so I've never made fancy looking cakes. This is perfect for my skillset! And love anything lemon. Meyer lemons are particularly tasty. Thanks!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

You might be cake-decorating-challenged, John, but you know how to garnish and style a food or beverage like nobody's business!

Pam Richardson said...

Jean, this looks so delicious. I love lemon anything! Thank you for sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Pam! It is! I hope you'll try it soon.

Unknown said...

Hehe definitely a good job you noticed the tapioca flour before it was too late! I do love a lemon cake and this looks so yummy! #blogcrush

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lucy! And I love your positive spin on my near-fiasco with the tapioca flour!

April J Harris said...

What a beautiful cake, Jean. I agree, sometimes a 'simple' cake is even nicer than something more complication. Although I must say this really is a gorgeous cake! I love anything lemon and Meyer lemons are so wonderful. Sharing! Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Have a wonderful weekend!

Jan said...

I LOVE Lemon! This looks divine ! Thanks for sharing it on our Grilling recipe round up!

Carlee said...

I love both eating and making a good sheet cake. Now I have a hankering for lemon cake!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Jan! It's a real favorite of ours.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Carlee! I have a hankering for lemon cake every day of my life! :-)