Ginger Ale Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ginger ale

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:

   1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the grated ginger and lemon zest if using, and mix until combined.

5. Alternate Mixing:

   1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the ginger ale. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

6. Bake:

   1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling:

   1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Glaze:

   1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the ginger ale glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the ginger ale over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.

9. Glaze the Cake:

   1. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the ginger ale glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

10. Serve:

    1. Slice and serve the ginger ale cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy the unique flavor of ginger ale infused into a moist and delicious cake!