Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Add the softened butter and use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat it until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, pour in the milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth.

Combine the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Lemon Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth.

Finish the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over the cake, spreading it evenly across the top.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy the light, citrusy flavor of this delightful treat!