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Water Cake Recipe

4.9 from 55 reviews

This simple and delightful Water Cake is a light, moist dessert made with basic pantry ingredients. With its tender crumb and subtle lemon zest aroma, it’s a perfect everyday treat or a quick bake when you want a no-fuss cake. The recipe is easy to follow, requiring no eggs or dairy, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola or olive oil also work)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the interior of an 8-inch round springform cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, mix vigorously until these dry ingredients are evenly combined and aerated.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Batter: Pour in the water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and add lemon zest if using. Whisk the mixture until the batter is completely smooth without any lumps, ensuring even incorporation of all ingredients.
  4. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased and lined cake pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the surface turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing or slicing. Optionally, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the batter is smooth to get a tender cake texture.
  • Lemon zest is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or olive oil for different flavor nuances.
  • Use a toothpick test to check doneness to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
  • Dusting with powdered sugar enhances appearance and adds a subtle sweetness.

Keywords: water cake, simple cake, eggless cake, easy dessert, lemon zest cake, vegan cake option